Portret van een man 1880 - 1908

John Hatherill created this portrait of a man using photography, around the time he was born, in the mid-19th century. The photograph's framing within an ornate, colorful border invites us to consider the social conventions of portraiture during that era. In 19th-century Europe, photography emerged as a powerful tool for documenting individuals and shaping social identities. The formal attire and composed demeanor of the subject speak to the rising middle class's aspirations and the desire to project an image of respectability and status. The inclusion of decorative elements, such as floral motifs and architectural details, further suggests the subject's connection to cultural institutions and traditions. To fully understand this photograph, we would need to delve into the social and economic conditions of the time, examining how photography was used to reinforce existing power structures and negotiate new forms of social mobility.