Portret van Lucas Jonker 1884

This portrait of Lucas Jonker was made by Wegner & Mottu using photographic methods, a popular way of image making during the 19th century. Portraits like these offer a window into the values and social structures of the time. Jonker, likely a man of some status, is captured in a composed pose, reflecting the era's emphasis on formality and social roles. The image, however, prompts questions about representation and power. Who had access to portraiture, and how did these images reinforce social hierarchies? As we consider Jonker’s identity, we might also reflect on the absence of other voices and faces in the historical record. What stories remain untold, and whose experiences were excluded from the dominant narrative? This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in portraiture and the selective nature of historical representation. It invites us to look beyond the surface and consider the broader social context in which such images were created and consumed.