Portret van een jonge man in kostuum c. 1865 - 1885

Editor: So this is “Portrait of a Young Man in Costume” dating from between 1865 and 1885, attributed to Henri Pronk. The sepia tones and almost ethereal quality give it a nostalgic feel. What strikes me is the meticulous detail in the subject’s costume against the backdrop. What do you see when you look at this photograph? Curator: The immediate focus rests upon the formal arrangement. Observe how the checkered costume, divided into regular units, establishes a grid-like structure that dominates the visual field. Consider the linear precision used to delineate these shapes and their interplay with the textures of what appears to be aged paper. Is the geometry strictly orthogonal, or does one perceive subtle distortions? Editor: I do see a slight deviation from a purely rigid grid, maybe some warpage? But it almost looks deliberate, perhaps something to do with the constraints of early photography. Curator: Precisely. We also see watercoloring that bleeds from the paper, indicating an underpainting; notice the absence of hard edges in the overall structure. Also, observe the light pencil work and tea-staining; what is your reading of the tonality and distribution? Editor: The toned paper and stains enhance the age and history, I guess? I do notice, now that you mention the pencils, there is a layering in the drawing... Curator: Precisely, note how Pronk is working to arrange shapes in patterns and forms to create this illustration; it creates both the image, its depth and the affect on us viewers. Editor: Looking at it that way definitely helps shift my perspective. Instead of simply documenting someone, he has worked through material, technique and medium to compose this scene...thanks so much! Curator: It's in the interplay of shape and history that this piece resonates.