Portret van drie mannen met hoeden c. 1865 - 1890

George Lodewijk Mulder’s photograph captures three men with hats, but the absence of a specific date invites speculation about the precise historical moment it represents. Mulder, living from 1841 to 1920, operated within a transformative period marked by evolving social norms. The presence of top hats and wine suggests a scene of bourgeois leisure, yet their somewhat casual attire hints at a departure from rigid Victorian formality. The image hints at a specific class identity, likely middle to upper class, given the signifiers of their attire and leisure activities. This creates an intriguing tension between the desire to display status and a more relaxed, personal setting. How might these men have understood their roles in a society undergoing industrial and social change? The photograph serves as a window into a particular male experience, inviting contemplation on the roles, expectations, and self-perceptions of men during this era.