Portret van Willem Hendrik van Braam in uniform Possibly 1875

This photograph captures Willem Hendrik van Braam in uniform, and was made by Carel Eduard Westerborg. This image reflects the increasing professionalization of the military in the Netherlands during the late 19th century. Van Braam's formal attire, complete with epaulettes and sword, speaks to the visual codes of power and status within the Dutch military. The photograph itself is a product of the burgeoning photography industry, which catered to a growing middle class eager to participate in visual culture. It also speaks to the institutional history of museums like the Rijksmuseum, which collect and display such images, shaping our understanding of the past. To understand this photograph more fully, it is essential to examine military archives and studio records. By researching the social conditions that shaped its production, we can better understand how it reflects the power structures of its time.