Portret van een man met bakkebaarden 1868 - 1909

This is a portrait of a man with sideburns, captured through photography by Idanus Hendrikus Slaterus. Consider the sitter's facial hair, particularly his prominent sideburns. This style, echoing across time, brings to mind ancient statuary of philosophers and emperors, where beards signify wisdom and authority. Yet, in this modern context, the sideburns signal a departure from the clean-shaven look, embracing a conscious archaism, a connection to history, and perhaps, a yearning for the stability of past eras. The gesture and composition speak to a deeper psychological play. The subject's gaze, direct and somewhat solemn, invites introspection. This is not merely a portrait; it's a meditation on identity, class, and the complex relationship between modernity and tradition, each contributing to a richer understanding of the individual and their place in the ever-evolving tapestry of history.