Portret van een man met een vlinderdas 1861 - 1874

This portrait of a man with a bow tie was made by Albert Greiner, who lived in the 19th century. The photograph is an albumen print, an early process using egg whites to bind the image to the paper. This method created a distinctive, slightly glossy surface and sepia tone that lends a nostalgic feel to the image. The albumen process required a mastery of chemistry, darkroom techniques, and printing skills. While portraits were still luxury items at this time, the advent of photography democratized image-making, moving portraiture away from painting, which required extensive training and a studio. The final print is mounted on card stock in a decorative frame, suggesting its value as an object to be displayed in a home. The photograph’s material qualities are tied to wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption. It represents a shift towards mass production and accessibility while retaining a sense of craftsmanship and artistic skill. Appreciating the materials and processes of this photograph allows us to understand its cultural significance beyond just a representation of a man with a bow tie.