Portret van Charles de Pitteurs-Hiegaerts before 1898

This small portrait of Charles de Pitteurs-Hiegaerts was made sometime in the 19th century using the new medium of photography. It appears to be an illustration in a book. Photography in the 19th century served a unique social function. In an era where painting was costly and time-consuming, photography democratized portraiture. This portrait, with its formal composition and attire, suggests an effort to emulate the established traditions of painted portraits. The subject's suit and tie, along with his well-groomed beard, signal a certain social standing. As historians, we can consider photography's impact on social hierarchies, class representation, and the evolving visual culture of the 19th century. What institutions supported and regulated it? Did they welcome it, or seek to control it? To gain a fuller understanding, we might consult photographic archives, period publications, and social histories of the era. By exploring the broader cultural landscape, we can better understand the social role and cultural meaning of photography in this period.