Portret van een man met snor, bril en stropdas 1880s

This is a portrait photograph of a man with a mustache, glasses, and tie, made by Benjamin Sanders sometime in the late 19th century. Photographs like this were a product of their time, reflecting the rise of industrial capitalism and the emerging middle class. The rise of photography was a technological marvel, born from the chemist's lab and the factory floor, as well as the artist's studio. Photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider segment of society, not just the wealthy elite. Examine the man's pose and attire; the way he presents himself speaks to the social conventions and aspirations of the era. Photography froze moments in time, creating idealized versions of individuals, and crafting a new visual language that shaped perceptions of reality. The amount of work involved is considerable as even in its beginning photography was both chemical and physical, involving a range of skills. The photograph embodies the intersection of art, science, and society, challenging traditional notions of portraiture and opening up new avenues for artistic expression.