Portret van een onbekende man, aangeduid als oom Amédée Duparc 1855 - 1885

This small portrait of a man, possibly Amédée Duparc, was made by Erwin Hanfstaengl, probably in Paris during the mid- to late-19th century. It is a photographic calling card, a popular format at the time that reflects the rise of photography as a tool for social networking and self-representation. The image's meaning emerges from the visual codes of its time: the man's formal attire, his composed posture, and the overall emphasis on respectability. During this era, photography studios blossomed, serving a burgeoning middle class eager to emulate the aristocratic tradition of portraiture. These studios were more than just places to take pictures; they were social spaces that enforced codes of behavior and aesthetics. As historians, we might look into the studio’s address, 4 Rue Frochot, Paris, to discover the surrounding social conditions that shaped artistic production, or delve deeper into the sitter's identity, seeking clues to understand the aspirations and social norms of the time.