Portret van een staande jongen bij tafel met een opengeslagen boek 1907 - 1908

This photograph, *Portret van een staande jongen bij tafel met een opengeslagen boek*, was made by Berssenbrugge & Krol in Rotterdam. I wonder about the person who took this photograph, what they were thinking when they were composing the shot? There is a strong emphasis on capturing the boy's neat appearance, from the shiny shoes to the tailored suit, as well as his controlled demeanor. Photography, like painting, captures a version of reality. The light, the shadows, the angle – all of these elements affect what the viewer sees and how they interpret it. The muted tones and careful composition create an atmosphere of formality and restraint. The surface of the photograph seems to be smooth and matte, lending a timeless quality to the image. This photograph invites us to reflect on how we present ourselves to the world and how we want to be seen, both then and now. It is a reminder that art is not just about the subject, but also about the way we engage with it.