Studioportret van R.J. Momme c. 1863 - 1866

This is a studio portrait of R.J. Momme, captured by Wegner & Mottu. Although undated, this photograph offers a window into the era when photography was solidifying its role in society, particularly among the bourgeoisie. Momme’s serious expression, combined with the formal attire—dark jacket, vest, and carefully tied bow tie—speaks to the image of middle-class respectability that was so carefully cultivated in that era. The photograph doesn’t just present an image of an individual; it subtly communicates messages about class, status, and the sitter's place within society. The studio setting itself, with its controlled lighting and backdrop, signals a deliberate construction of identity. This differs greatly from the representations, or lack thereof, of working-class people, who often remained invisible in the visual culture of the time. Consider how portraits like these contribute to an understanding of the social hierarchies and power dynamics present in nineteenth-century society. It prompts us to reflect on who gets represented, and how.