Portret van een man, zittend aan een tafel 1861 - 1868

This portrait of a seated man was produced by Hector de Saedeler as part of a series of Carte de Visite photographs, tiny portraits popularized in the mid-19th century. These inexpensive photographs democratized portraiture, making it accessible to the middle classes in a way previously reserved for the wealthy. In this portrait, the sitter leans casually against a table, his pose suggesting a comfortable affluence. The Carte de Visite was both a social and economic phenomenon, fueling the growth of photography studios and creating a market for albums to house these images. These photographic trends reflect broader social shifts. The rise of the middle class, advancements in technology, and the increasing importance of visual representation are just some of the things that contributed to the popularity of these images. Understanding the art of this period requires an awareness of photographic history and the industrial and social conditions that made this trend possible. Further research into the archives of photography studios can shed light on the visual culture of the time.