Portret van Hermanus Treur Langhout 1879 - 1915

This photograph of Hermanus Treur Langhout was captured by Jan Goedeljee in the 19th century. The sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, drawing us into a different era. The oval format isolates Langhout, focusing our attention on his poised figure. His jacket and bow tie are depicted using a monochromatic palette. These sartorial choices aren't merely aesthetic; they signify societal norms. In the photograph's composition, there is a semiotic interplay between what is seen and what it means to be seen. The subject's gaze, his posture, and the way the photograph is composed are all clues to understanding his identity. The very act of creating a photographic portrait challenges traditional portraiture and raises questions about representation. It explores identity and permanence. The structural elements of the artwork invites us to reconsider the codes by which we perceive ourselves and others.