Portret van een man in militair uniform met een vuurwapen c. 1860 - 1875

George Lodewijk Mulder made this portrait of a man in military uniform with a firearm, using photography. In the 19th century, the rise of photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a broader segment of society. While painted portraits remained the domain of the wealthy, photographic portraits offered a more affordable alternative for the middle class and even some working-class individuals. The ambrotype and similar techniques emerged as the predominant modes, involving chemical processes to capture images on glass plates. Skilled photographers were in demand, not only as artists but also as technicians adept in the darkroom arts. This points to the commodification of identity through the lens, where individuals could curate and preserve their image in a way that was previously unattainable. Photographic portraits became powerful tools for self-representation and social mobility, enabling individuals to craft a visual narrative of their lives. So, looking at the image of this soldier, consider how the medium of photography allowed people to engage with ideas of labor, politics, and consumption, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.