Portret van een onbekende man, aangeduid als Dr. A. M. Wallström 1883 - 1900

This photographic portrait was made by Bernhard Hakelier, using the 19th-century Carte de Visite process. Photography in this era was deeply tied to the industrial revolution, both benefiting from advancements in chemistry and optics, and in turn, contributing to the burgeoning culture of mass production and consumption. These small, easily reproducible images democratized portraiture. What was once a privilege reserved for the wealthy became accessible to a wider segment of society. The sepia tones result from chemical processes developed to fix the image on the paper surface, and the quality of the print speaks to Hakelier's technical skills, which were essential to his trade. The texture and weight of the card, the font and layout of the photographer's imprint – all these material details reflect the aesthetic values of the time. These images often served as calling cards, tokens of remembrance, or as collector's items. By considering the industrial and social context of this small photograph, we gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance, reminding us that even seemingly simple objects can tell complex stories about labor, class, and consumption.