Mathias Häusermann 1850s - 1860s

Franz Antoine's "Mathias Häusermann" is a striking photographic portrait from the mid-19th century. The work, currently held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features the sitter in a contemplative pose, surrounded by objects suggesting a life of intellectual pursuits and possibly military service. The arrangement of objects, from the globe and open book to the helmet and sword, creates a sense of both scholarly exploration and personal history. Antoine was a notable photographer of the time, known for his masterful use of light and composition. "Mathias Häusermann" exemplifies his skill in capturing the personality and world of his subject within a single frame.