Portret van Johannes van Zijll de Jong 1930 - 1935

This is an undated portrait of Johannes van Zijll de Jong, created anonymously with photography. Looking at Johannes, with his pipe and suit, we get a glimpse into the conventions of masculine identity of his time. The historical context is intriguing given the anonymity of the photographer; the photographer's absence raises questions about the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. Whose gaze are we adopting? What does it mean to see Johannes through the eyes of someone unknown, perhaps a family member, or even himself? The choice of setting – an open field – is also interesting, offering a contrast to the formality of his attire. It asks us to reflect on the multiple layers of identity, representation, and history captured in a single image. What stories do we tell ourselves, and what aspects of ourselves do we choose to reveal, and to whom?