Portret van een man met snor 1856 - 1889

This is a portrait of a man with a moustache, created by Benjamin Sanders in the late 19th century, using photographic techniques. In this era, photography was becoming more accessible, yet still involved considerable skill in manipulating light-sensitive materials. The sepia tone, a result of the developing process, gives the image a warm, antique feel. But let’s consider the production process. Each photograph, though reproducible, required a darkroom, chemicals, and careful timing. This wasn't just pointing and shooting; it was a craft. Photography was not yet fully industrialized but it was becoming more widely available to middle class people like the gentleman in the portrait. Looking at this image, we see more than just a face. We glimpse a moment in the history of technology and the changing landscape of labor and class. The rise of photography democratized image-making, challenging traditional notions of artistic skill and value.