Portret van een jongen 1874 - 1881

Albert Delabarre made this photograph of a young boy using the 19th-century technology of silver print photography. This portrait offers a glimpse into the social conventions of its time. The boy is formally dressed in a tailored suit, and his serious demeanor is typical of the era's portraiture, reflecting the cultural values of restraint and composure, particularly within the middle and upper classes. The photograph probably originates from France. During this time, the rise of the bourgeoisie and the growth of industrial capitalism influenced the increasing popularity of portrait photography as a means of documenting status. It also reflected aspirations of social mobility. As an art historian, understanding the institutional and economic context in which art is made helps us understand photography’s role in shaping our perceptions of identity, class, and social norms. We can delve deeper by examining studio records, newspapers, and family archives. These provide a better understanding of the social significance of photographic portraits in the 19th century.