Portret van prof. dr. Charles Theodore Hauben before 1909

This is Benjamin Couprie’s portrait of Professor Charles Theodore Hauben. Its existence speaks to the cultural value placed on academic achievement during Couprie's time. The portrait is a window into the world of academia, reflecting the status and authority associated with scholarly life. The way Professor Hauben is depicted tells us much about the cultural norms that Couprie was operating in. Notice the formal attire, the dignified posture, and the carefully groomed beard, all of which contribute to an image of respectability and intellectual prowess. Couprie does not challenge the norms of portraiture. Rather, he seems invested in maintaining traditional representations of power. The photograph serves not only as a record of an individual's likeness but also as a marker of social identity and cultural values. In reflecting on this portrait, it’s worth considering the stories and perspectives that may be absent from such conventional representations of success and achievement.