Portret van een man met bakkebaarden, aangeduid als Sweys (oude) c. 1860 - 1875

Wegner and Mottu created this portrait of a man with sideburns, identified as Sweys the elder, using photography, a relatively new medium at the time. This image offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving social function of photography in 19th-century Netherlands. As photography became more accessible, it began to democratize portraiture. Previously reserved for the wealthy elite who could afford painted portraits, now the middle class could commission photographic portraits. The subject's formal attire suggests a person of some social standing. The very act of commissioning a portrait demonstrates the desire to participate in a visual culture that was once exclusive. We can understand more about the sitter and photographic practices by examining archives, such as studio records, local directories, and genealogical databases. The meaning of this portrait lies not just in its aesthetic qualities, but also in its role within the broader social and institutional contexts of its time.