Portret van een onbekende visser uit Scheveningen die een visnet maakt 1860 - 1890

This is Andries Jager's portrait of an unknown fisherman from Scheveningen, caught in a moment of mending his nets. Dating back to the 19th century, the photograph offers a glimpse into the lives of working-class individuals, whose stories often went untold. Here, Jager captures the dignity and resilience of the fisherman. The lines etched on his face speak of a life shaped by hard work, while his focused gaze reveals a deep connection to his craft. The act of repairing nets becomes symbolic, representing the continuous labor required to sustain a community. What I find particularly moving is the intimacy of this encounter. Jager's lens doesn't shy away from the realities of working-class existence; instead, it seeks to elevate the everyday, inviting us to contemplate the lives and labor that underpin our society. It challenges traditional notions of portraiture, offering a more inclusive vision of who deserves to be seen and remembered.