Portret van een man c. 1874 - 1876

This is "Portret van een man" by Veuve J. van Koningsveld, a small photograph measuring 105 by 64 mm. The sepia tone immediately gives it a vintage feel, casting a soft, almost dreamlike quality over the image. What's striking is the composition. The man's form emerges from a soft, blurred background, a deliberate choice that isolates him, enhancing his presence. His features are sharply defined, drawing the viewer's eye into his gaze. The subdued palette, dominated by browns and creams, underscores a sense of history. The very texture of the photograph invites contemplation on the nature of representation itself. We must consider how the artist sought to convey not just an image, but a sense of character. The formal elements work together to create an experience that transcends mere documentation. The careful balance between light and shadow, focus and blur, speaks to the artistry involved in capturing a moment in time. Ultimately, this photograph is a testament to the power of formal structure in creating an evocative and lasting image.