Portret van (vermoedelijk) een Surinaamse jongen 1883 - 1895

This mounted portrait, likely made by Franz Reissig, presents a young man whose gaze carries echoes of both the past and the future. The oval frame, a classical motif, encases the subject, lending a timeless quality, while the gentleman's formal attire speaks to societal expectations. Consider the pose itself. The direct gaze, reminiscent of ancient portraiture intended to immortalize, evokes a sense of dignity and self-awareness. Yet, in a modern context, the photographic portrait also hints at the burgeoning awareness of individual identity, especially poignant when considering colonial contexts. This yearning for recognition transcends time, resonating through portraits from antiquity to modern-day photographs. It reminds us that, beneath the surface of societal norms and historical context, there is a collective, human desire to be seen, acknowledged, and remembered, engaging us on a deeply subconscious level.