Portret van een onbekende man met sigaar 1855 - 1866

This photograph, made by Louis Nicolas Pillas, offers us a peek into the aspirations and self-fashioning of the 19th century. Here we see an anonymous man, dressed in the attire of the middle class, complete with a waistcoat and chain. The cigar he holds suggests not only his access to leisurely pursuits, but also participation in a global network of trade and consumption. This portrait embodies the increasing visibility and self-awareness of the middle class at this historical moment. What is striking about this photograph is the way it both conforms to and deviates from established portraiture. It captures an individual’s desire for recognition, and the longing to be seen, to occupy space in a rapidly changing world. This image subtly hints at shifting social landscapes and the democratization of representation.