Portret van een onbekende man 1875 - 1886

This is an undated portrait of an unknown man, produced by Dahllöf & Co. During the late 19th century, photography studios like Dahllöf democratized portraiture. This image encapsulates the bourgeois ideals of the era. The subject’s confident gaze and formal attire embody a desire for upward mobility, which was especially relevant during a time of industrial expansion and changing social structures. The clean-shaven face, save for a meticulously groomed mustache, was symbolic of masculine identity, reflecting the era’s emphasis on civility and social order. This presentation speaks to a specific class aspiration, as it was easier for the upper classes to maintain such standards. While the sitter remains anonymous, the image preserves a moment of self-fashioning. The portrait captures the spirit of the era, which allows us to reflect on questions of identity and representation.