Portret van een man met snor in uniform 1866 - 1884

Here is Albert Delabarre’s small portrait of a moustached man in uniform. The sepia tones of the photograph convey a sense of nostalgia. The subject’s piercing gaze creates an intimate connection, even across time. The man is depicted in a formal composition. Notice how the lines of his uniform are sharply delineated. This structure contrasts with the soft gradations of light and shadow on his face. Delabarre uses the framing to give the image a geometric structure. This framing mirrors the strict social structures of the time. The mustache, meticulously groomed, serves as a signifier of masculinity and social status. This portrait is not merely a depiction of an individual, but also an encoding of cultural values. It captures the intersection of personal identity and societal expectations, inviting us to contemplate the complex interplay between self and representation. This interaction continues to be a relevant discourse today.