Portret van Franz Nissel before 1864

This is a portrait of Franz Nissel by G.F. Krauss, likely made in the late 19th century using photographic methods, encased in a commemorative book. The image, though small, speaks volumes about social identity in its time. In the burgeoning era of photography, the ability to possess and share likenesses became a powerful marker of status and connection. The book format suggests it could have been a gift, reflecting the sentimental culture of the period. The text and ornate framing further embed the portrait within a narrative of remembrance and respectability. Considering the context of its creation, we can ask: who was Franz Nissel? What role did he play in his community? Did the rise of photography democratize portraiture, or did it reinforce existing class structures? Art historians would investigate photographic studios and the networks of gift-giving to understand these objects. Ultimately, this portrait and book remind us that every image is embedded in social and institutional practices that shape its meaning.