Portret van een man in militair uniform 1882 - 1900

This portrait of a man in military uniform was created by Franz Reissig, using photographic processes. Photography democratized portraiture; for the first time, it was within reach of the middle classes, not just the aristocracy. The inherent qualities of photography – its indexical relationship to reality, and its reproducibility – made it a powerful tool for documentation and commemoration. Consider the social context of the time; industrialization was rapidly changing society, and with it, notions of class and status. Military service became increasingly professionalized, with uniforms serving as potent symbols of authority and belonging. The meticulous details of the uniform, from the gleaming buttons to the intricate braid, speak to the precision and discipline of military life. The photographic process captures these details with remarkable clarity, emphasizing the material culture of the armed forces. Reissig's photograph reflects the shifting dynamics of power and representation in an era defined by industrial progress and social change. It challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the significance of materials, making, and context in understanding its full meaning.