Portret van een jongeman 1860 - 1880

Cornelis Bernardus Broersma created this small portrait of a young man, using photography, sometime between 1860 and 1919. Broersma was a contemporary of the second generation of photographers, who were beginning to explore the artistic possibilities of the medium. Looking at this image, we can consider the societal expectations for young men of the era. He's dressed in a full suit, complete with a bow tie and pocket square, projecting an air of seriousness and maturity beyond his years. It speaks to the roles and responsibilities that young men from privileged backgrounds were expected to assume. Yet, there's also a sense of vulnerability in his gaze. The soft lighting and oval frame create an intimate space, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of identity and the transition from boyhood to adulthood. This portrait not only captures a moment in time, but also hints at the emotional landscape of a young man navigating a world of expectations and possibilities.