Reproductie naar een foto van Willem Witsen c. 1860 - 1915

This silver gelatin print reproduces a photograph by Willem Witsen, though we don't know who made the copy. The tonal range achieved through darkroom processes is remarkable, especially considering the relatively early date of the photograph. Silver gelatin prints involve a multistep process of chemical baths, precise timing, and careful temperature control. This level of technical skill enabled the photographer to capture a moment in time with clarity and depth. This image represents the democratization of portraiture made possible by photography. Before, only the wealthy could commission painted portraits; now, anyone could capture their likeness, even in casual poses. Notice the men's clothing, the bowler hats, and the confident stances; these details speak to the rise of the middle class and its aspirations in the late 19th century. Considering the labor, materials, and social context transforms our understanding, showing how photography shifted both artistic practice and social norms.