Portret van Cornelis Reynders 1880 - 1884

Nicolaas Jelles van Ulsen made this portrait of Cornelis Reynders using the albumen print process. It shows how social identity can be constructed through clothing and presentation. Taken in the Netherlands, likely in the late 19th century, the photograph demonstrates the rise of the middle class and their desire to emulate the aristocracy. Cornelis is dressed in a style reminiscent of a military uniform, a symbol of power and authority, and in doing so, the family is performing a certain status. The hat placed carefully on the fringed table suggests aspirations of upward mobility. Photography studios arose as a commercial enterprise during this period, and their existence allowed people to participate in the construction of their own social image. Understanding this photograph requires us to consider the context of Dutch society, the growth of photography as an industry, and the social aspirations of the emerging middle class. Examining studio records, fashion trends, and social commentaries of the time can provide a richer understanding of this image.