Portret van twee staande mannen met hoed en wandelstok 1902 - 1920

This is a portrait of two men, made at an unknown date by Stephanus Adrianus Schotel. It shows two figures standing side by side, in suits, hats, and canes – pretty formal attire. The grey tones make me think of a quiet day, maybe a little overcast, perfect for a stroll. I imagine Schotel carefully composing this shot, thinking about light, shadow, and how to capture the essence of these figures. There's a real stillness, a sense of dignity. It's interesting to think about the choices involved in making a portrait. Where to position the figures? How to arrange the light? I guess Schotel wanted to convey a sense of respectability, perhaps even a hint of the subjects' inner lives. It reminds me of other early photographs that are trying to capture the essence of the individual. As painters, photographers, or whatever, we're all in this ongoing conversation, seeing what others have done and trying to add something of our own.