Portret van een onbekende jongen c. 1879

This portrait photograph of an unknown boy, captured by Dutch photographer Dirk Niekerk in 1879, showcases the artistry of 19th-century portraiture. The subject, dressed in formal attire, holds a stick and sits in a chair with a hat resting on the seat. The composition is simple yet effective, highlighting the boy's youthful features and capturing a fleeting moment in time. Niekerk's work, primarily focused on portraiture, contributed to the development of photography as an art form during his lifetime. This small yet detailed photograph, measuring just 105 mm by 63 mm, offers a glimpse into the life and work of a skilled photographer and captures the essence of a bygone era.