Portret van een man met bakkebaard 1860 - 1880

Karl Boos created this portrait of a moustachioed man using a photographic process common in the 19th century. The image is revealing in its emphasis on masculinity, evident in the man’s groomed facial hair and formal attire. During this era, such visual markers were crucial for signaling social status and adherence to norms of masculinity. Think of the power relations at play: who has the means and the social standing to commission or sit for such a portrait? This carefully constructed image speaks volumes about the performance of identity. Consider the social codes embedded in this photograph. Is it a reflection of societal expectations, or a personal statement? Does it challenge or reinforce the viewer's understanding of identity?