Portret van een militair 1865 - 1903

This is a portrait of a military man made by De Lavieter & Co., likely produced as a carte-de-visite. The composition is dominated by the figure, whose somber attire and stern gaze set a tone of authority and formality. Note how the artist uses a restricted tonal range, with sepia tones that create a visual hierarchy to guide the viewer's eye: the ornate details on the uniform, the medals, and the sword hilt all stand out as signifiers of rank and status. The photograph's structure also conveys an ideological framework. The subject's direct gaze and upright posture suggest a visual representation of power. The sharp focus on the individual reflects a broader cultural emphasis on the individual. While seemingly straightforward, the photograph engages with deeper questions about representation and identity, inviting us to consider how photography not only captures but also constructs meaning.