Portret van een man bakkebaarden en snor 1865 - 1903

This small portrait of a man with sideburns and a mustache was produced by De Lavieter & Co., using photographic methods, though its exact date remains unknown. During the time when portrait photography gained popularity, this format became a common way for individuals, primarily from the middle and upper classes, to preserve their image and status. The man's gaze is directed away, which gives a sense of introspection. His attire suggests a certain level of respectability, yet the lack of additional context leaves space for contemplation about his personal narrative. The details of his grooming—the careful shaping of his sideburns and mustache—hint at the performative aspects of identity. How does this image reflect the subject’s understanding of himself and his place within the broader social fabric? It serves as both a personal memento and a cultural artifact, encapsulating the era’s values and the individual's negotiation with those norms.