Studioportret van een man met snor en baard c. 1863 - 1866

This is a photograph of a man with a moustache and beard made by Fratelli Alinari. Though undated, it’s likely this portrait was taken in the late 19th century. The subject’s somber expression, combined with the formal attire, tells us about the cultural norms of the time; the conventions and expectations of portraiture as it was used to communicate status and respectability. Yet, it’s also interesting to consider this image beyond its historical context. How might we view this man's identity today? His neatly groomed beard and moustache, once symbols of Victorian masculinity, now possess a different resonance. The image invites us to reflect on shifting ideals of masculinity, and how they are communicated through visual codes. This photograph is more than a glimpse into the past, it’s an invitation to question how appearances shape perceptions, both then and now.