Portret van een zittende man met baard 1860 - 1900

H. Thorn created this small portrait of a seated, bearded man. The photograph is mounted inside a decorative case. This image speaks volumes about the rise of photography in the 19th century and its impact on social dynamics. In an era marked by industrialization and urbanization, the emerging middle class sought ways to emulate the traditions of the aristocracy. Portraiture, once exclusive to the wealthy, became accessible to a broader segment of society through photography. The subject's attire and carefully groomed appearance, combined with the formal pose, suggest aspirations of upward mobility. The intricate case further enhances the sense of value and permanence, signaling the subject's desire to be remembered and recognized. As historians, we can delve deeper by exploring studio records, census data, and social etiquette guides. By understanding photography's role in shaping identity, we gain insight into the democratizing forces at play and how individuals navigated an evolving social landscape.