Portret van een man in militair uniform 1877

Julius Gertinger made this portrait of a man in military uniform with photography in the mid-19th century. It's a curious thing, photography. In its early years, it was seen by some as a threat to the traditional art world, especially painting. The man in the photograph wears his uniform with pride. Medals adorn his chest and neck, each carrying its own narrative of bravery, service, and perhaps even sacrifice. This image speaks to the culture of militarism and the social structures of the time. It would have been produced in a specific social environment where military service and national pride were considered important. To fully understand Gertinger's photograph, one must investigate the social, political, and economic conditions of the time. Museum archives, historical societies, and libraries are essential tools for piecing together the context in which this image was created and circulated. After all, art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.