Portret van een onbekende man met hoed op een stoel 1880 - 1884

This portrait was produced by Forshaw & Coles in Oxford, presumably in the late 19th century, using a photographic process. During this period, photography studios emerged as important social spaces, democratizing portraiture and allowing a broader spectrum of society to participate in visual representation. The subject’s attire, a hat, tie, and tweed jacket, conveys a sense of middle-class respectability, while his pose—leaning casually against a tasselled chair—hints at a desire for cultivated leisure. The studio's location in Oxford suggests a connection with the university and its associated social circles, emphasizing the importance of education and status. Studying photographic portraits like this can reveal a lot about the values and aspirations of individuals within specific social contexts. By consulting local archives, business directories, and historical fashion resources, we can understand the culture and institutions that shaped this portrait. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is shaped by the social and institutional context.