Portret van Axel Elmlund 1865 - 1885

Editor: Here we have a gelatin-silver print portrait of Axel Elmlund by Johannes Jaeger, likely taken sometime between 1865 and 1885. There’s a certain formality to it, yet I also find a kind of romantic, almost theatrical air about the subject. How do you see this image speaking to its time, Professor? Curator: This portrait offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 19th century, particularly regarding the performance of identity within the context of photography. Consider the rise of photography during this period. It democratized portraiture, but also imposed new codes of conduct on its subjects. How do you think Elmlund is using his appearance to present a specific persona? Editor: Well, his slightly turned gaze avoids direct engagement, and his somewhat extravagant hair and carefully styled mustache feel deliberate. Maybe he’s presenting himself as an intellectual or an artist? Curator: Precisely. The carte-de-visite format, being easily reproducible and distributed, transformed personal images into commodities circulating within specific social spheres. Think about who might have collected and displayed this image. Would they see in him a reflection of their own aspirations? Is there a performative aspect to the dissemination of images and cultivation of social networks? Editor: That’s fascinating, I hadn't thought about how widely these portraits were shared and collected. It makes me wonder about the politics of portraiture back then, about how these images were utilized to signal status and project identity in this relatively new and public medium. Curator: And the way photography was rapidly evolving too, making certain portraits or approaches trendy, while others fall into disuse or seem anachronistic, right? It’s always important to think about who had access to such images, and to the technology that allowed them to be created. Editor: Absolutely. Seeing it in the context of both artistic self-presentation and social currency really shifts my perspective. Thank you!