Portret van een jonge man in kostuum met degen, aangeduid als H.J. Coert 1860 - 1905

Jan Goedeljee made this photograph of a young man in costume with a sword sometime in the late 19th century. We can see the sitter in historical dress and with a prop sword. But what does this image really mean? In the Netherlands at this time, historical societies flourished, and historical re-enactments became a popular way to celebrate national identity. This photograph can be seen in that context, part of a broader cultural trend for celebrating the nation's past. It might be a record of a member of a historical society or theatre group, but it could also be someone of means signaling their cultural tastes. Historians would use a range of resources to understand this photograph better, looking at theatre programmes, records of historical societies, and even fashion plates. What we learn from that research can give us insights into how people used images to signal their values and place in society.