Portret van een man staand in een lange mantel met kruisteken op de borst, mogelijk ridder van de Maltezer orde c. 1870 - 1886

This photograph of a man, possibly a knight of the Order of Malta, was made by Montabone & Borelli. The sitter's clothing—the long mantle emblazoned with a cross—speaks to the enduring appeal of chivalric orders in European society, even as their original functions declined. Taken sometime in the late 19th century, most likely in Italy, this image presents us with a cultural paradox. On one hand, we have the rise of photography as a modern medium, capable of capturing and disseminating images widely. On the other, we see a self-conscious revival of medieval aesthetics and aristocratic ideals. The Order of Malta, while still active in charitable work, had largely lost its political power by this time. Therefore, the choice to portray oneself as a knight suggests a desire to connect with a romanticized past and assert a particular social status. Understanding this photograph requires us to delve into the social history of 19th-century Europe, examining the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. Researching the history of the Order of Malta and the rise of photography can shed light on the cultural meanings embedded in this intriguing portrait.