Portret van een man in een jas met een hoge hoed in de hand 1871 - 1880

This portrait of a man in a coat with a top hat was made by Franz Wilhelm Deutmann, using photographic methods. The image is recorded on a light-sensitive material, likely a glass plate coated with chemicals, capturing the likeness of the sitter. The photograph's material qualities influence its appearance, from its sepia tone to the slight blurring of details, inherent to the technologies used in the 19th century. Making a portrait like this required skill, with the photographer carefully controlling lighting, exposure time, and chemical processes to produce a clear image. Photography was a rapidly developing technology during this period, becoming increasingly accessible to a wider population. While traditional portrait painting was the domain of the wealthy, photography offered a more affordable option, democratizing access to representation. The rise of photography also had implications for labor, creating new professions for photographers and technicians, while also challenging the established market for painted portraits. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and context of this photograph allows us to appreciate its significance within the broader social and technological landscape of the 19th century, inviting us to look beyond traditional categories of art and craft.