Portret van een zittende man met bontjas en bontmuts before 1873

This photographic portrait of a seated man, complete with fur coat and hat, was created by Borsos es Doctor. The artistry lies not just in the pose, but in the chemical processes used to capture the image, fixing it onto a treated surface. Photography democratized portraiture. Where once only the wealthy could afford painted likenesses, suddenly, a wider segment of society could participate. Consider the materials featured, the fur, the leather boots, and the fine chair. These signal status. The photograph itself, though more accessible than painting, still represented a deliberate act of self-presentation. The subject isn't just showing himself; he's showing his place in the world. The work involved in producing the photograph would have involved skilled labor, from the photographer to those who manufactured the chemicals and equipment. Ultimately, this portrait invites us to consider how technological advancements intersect with social hierarchies, blurring the lines between documentation, aspiration, and artistic expression.