Portret van een staande jongen met hoed in de hand 1856 - 1876

"Portret van een staande jongen met hoed in de hand" (Portrait of a standing boy with a hat in his hand), created by Ch. Verbeke-Schodts between 1856 and 1876, is a striking example of 19th-century portraiture. The photograph, measuring 85 mm in height and 52 mm in width, captures a young boy standing formally, his hat held in his hand, and a faint smile on his face. The image is characterized by a grainy texture and the use of natural light, typical of the early photographic processes. Despite its small size, the portrait provides an intimate glimpse into the life of a young person during this period, showcasing the evolving role of photography as a means of documentation and personal expression.