Portret van een jonge man in kostuum, mogelijk François Haversmidt c. 1860 - 1870

This is a portrait of a young man in costume, possibly François Haversmidt, made by Jan Goedeljee. It is a small photograph, just 83 by 52 millimeters, and the photographic process itself is central to its meaning. Think about what it took to make this image. The subject had to sit still for an extended period, while the photographer manipulated chemicals and light. This was a relatively new technology at the time, and it democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider range of people than ever before. The costume is also significant. It suggests a connection to the theater, or perhaps a fancy dress ball. Either way, it speaks to a culture of leisure and performance, which was becoming increasingly important in the 19th century. The photograph itself becomes a way to capture and preserve these fleeting moments of social life. So, next time you look at an old photograph, remember that it's not just a picture. It's also a record of a particular time, place, and set of social relations. The materiality of the photograph allows us to gain access to the world in which it was made.