Portret van een man met baard en bril, aangeduid als Dr. Singerd 1874 - 1880

Prosper Morren captured this portrait of a man presumed to be Dr. Singerd using photographic methods common in his era. The photograph itself, with its sepia tones and textured surface, speaks to the historical techniques of image-making. The process involved a delicate dance of chemistry and light, where each print was a unique artifact. Encased in a decorative mount, the portrait transcends mere documentation, becoming a cherished memento. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer's skilled manipulation of equipment to the artisan's crafting of the mount. This reflects a society deeply invested in portraiture, where photography democratized access to representation, previously reserved for the painted elite. By recognizing the significance of materials and making, we appreciate how even a modest portrait encapsulates broader social and technological currents. It challenges our conventional understanding of art.