Portret van een man met snor 1856 - 1889

This photograph, "Portret van een man met snor," was made by Benjamin Sanders in the Netherlands, sometime in the mid to late 19th century. It offers a glimpse into the visual culture and social norms of the time. During this period, photography was becoming increasingly accessible, influencing how people perceived themselves and others. This particular portrait, with its emphasis on the subject's respectable attire and carefully groomed mustache, speaks to the burgeoning middle class and their aspirations for social recognition. The oval format and presentation suggest a formal setting, perhaps a family album or a display of social standing. As historians, we might investigate the social dynamics of photography studios, the role of portraiture in constructing identity, and the economic factors shaping artistic production in the Netherlands during this era. We might examine the archives of photographic studios, consult period newspapers and magazines, and study social histories of the Dutch middle class.