Andries Bonger, in leunstoel, een boek lezend 1910 - 1930

This photograph captures Andries Bonger in a private moment, seated in an armchair and engrossed in a book. While the artist remains anonymous, the image speaks volumes about the cultural values and intellectual life of the time. Bonger was part of the late 19th-century Dutch elite; he was a man of wealth and leisure. This photograph offers a glimpse into his identity as an educated, upper-class individual, one who likely engaged in reading as a means of self-improvement. The image evokes feelings of peace and quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to reflect on the emotional and intellectual dimensions of reading. It presents a traditional representation of a privileged individual immersed in the world of books. The photograph is a testament to the power of art to reflect societal norms, the role of reading in shaping individual identity, and the timeless appeal of quiet contemplation.