Portret van een zittende man 1860 - 1880

This is a portrait of a seated man made by F.D. van Rosmalen & Zoon. In this small photograph, we see a man posed formally. The format suggests a society undergoing rapid social and technological change. Photography democratized portraiture. Painting had been the domain of the wealthy, but now, a wider range of people could afford to have their likeness recorded. The man’s clothes also speak to social status; his suit and tie indicate a certain level of respectability and perhaps professional standing. It’s crucial to see such an image as more than just a record of an individual. It reflects broader shifts in society, technology, and the very idea of representation. By researching photographic studios like that of F.D. van Rosmalen & Zoon, and by looking at the historical context of photographic technology, we can understand the changing social norms around image-making.