Portret van Marie Eugène Bour 1857 - 1864

This is a photograph titled 'Portret van Marie Eugène Bour' by Wegner & Mottu, a muted study in sepia tones that conveys a mid-19th-century aesthetic. The subject, Marie Eugène Bour, is captured in a half-length pose, his gaze directed slightly off-center, which contributes to the image's dynamic quality. Formally, the photograph relies on a delicate balance of light and shadow to define Bour's features and clothing. The soft gradations of tone create a depth that draws the eye and emphasizes the texture of his beard and hair. The composition is structured around a central vertical axis, with Bour's figure providing a solid, grounded presence. The subdued color palette of the photograph invites a semiotic reading, with the tones perhaps signifying the solemnity and seriousness associated with portraiture during this era. This aesthetic can also be seen as a cultural marker, embodying the values and conventions of 19th-century society. As such, this photograph offers not just an image of an individual, but also a glimpse into the historical codes and values of its time.