Portret van componist Richard Strauss 1890 - 1905

This photographic portrait captures composer Richard Strauss, though the artist remains unknown. His gaze, directed off to the side, holds a certain ambiguity, a characteristic feature of portraits throughout history. Consider the tradition of portraiture. A formal rendering, with attention given to attire, the subject’s bearing, and facial expression, all meant to communicate a certain status, perhaps even deeper, psychological insight. The placement of the hands—deliberate, and calm—echoes a lineage of portraiture dating back to antiquity. In antiquity, the gesture of the hand was codified, each position signifying a particular virtue or status. Here, the gesture is subtle, suggesting a contemplative mood. Over time, such symbols become embedded in our collective consciousness, informing our subconscious understanding of the artwork. It is a motif that will reappear, ever-evolving, in the theater of human expression.