Portret van een jonge man in kostuum met degen, aangeduid als H.J.M. de Vries Possibly 1887 - 1899

This photograph of a young man dressed in costume with a sword was made by Antonius Joannes van der Stok. Portraits were a popular way for people in the Netherlands to represent themselves and their status in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This image creates meaning through the specific type of clothing chosen and the overall composition. The theatrical costume evokes a sense of historical romance, suggesting an appreciation for the past. During this time, historical societies and costume balls were popular, as they provided opportunities for the upper classes to display their wealth, education, and refined taste. By analyzing photographs such as this one, historians can use archives and museum collections to better understand the values, aspirations, and social dynamics of the past. The meaning of such an image is contingent on its historical, social, and institutional context.