Portret van een man in uniform c. 1865 - 1890

This is a portrait of a man in uniform by Wegner & Mottu, a photographic print now held in the Rijksmuseum. The sepia tones lend a sense of historical distance, and the portrait format encourages a focused examination of the figure and his attire. The subject is presented frontally, his gaze direct, creating a sense of immediate encounter. The detailed rendering of the uniform, with its intricate braiding and embellishments, is juxtaposed against the softer, less defined backdrop. This contrast directs our attention to the material qualities of the image itself. Consider the semiotic interplay here: the uniform acts as a signifier of status and order, yet the soft focus and small scale of the photograph introduce an element of ambiguity. What does it mean to capture such a symbol of authority in this intimate, almost fragile form? The photograph prompts us to consider how meanings are constructed through the interplay of visual elements and cultural codes. Ultimately, this is a visual document that invites contemplation on the relationship between representation, identity, and power.