Groepsportret van vijf mannen 1880 - 1890

This group portrait was made by Joseph Maes, sometime in the late 19th century, using photographic techniques common to the period. The photograph's material presence is crucial. It's a small, intimate object, likely part of a family album. Note the sepia tones, a consequence of the developing process. Photography in this era was still a relatively laborious process, involving the careful preparation of light-sensitive materials, long exposure times, and meticulous darkroom work. Consider the social context: photography democratized portraiture. Before, only the wealthy could afford painted portraits. Now, the middle class could capture their likeness, freezing a moment in time and preserving social bonds. This image speaks to the rise of a new visual culture, fueled by technological advancements and changing social norms. By focusing on the materiality and production of this photograph, we gain insight into the lives and aspirations of those it depicts.