Man met een gevlekt paard op een binnenplaats c. 1875 - 1900

This photograph of a man with a spotted horse in a courtyard was captured by Willem Frederik Vinkenbos sometime in the late 19th century. Here, the photographic process itself is central. In the 1800s, photography demanded patience and skill, from preparing the light-sensitive materials to carefully posing the subject. The final sepia-toned print, with its subtle variations in tone and sharp details, is a testament to the photographer's mastery. But beyond technical skill, the image hints at social dynamics. The man’s modest attire suggests his working-class status, while the well-groomed horse speaks to a different world of leisure and privilege. In this way, the photograph also captures a specific moment in social history, when equine labor was beginning to give way to mechanical power. Understanding the work through its materials, making, and historical context allows us to see photography as a mediator between different social spheres.