Portret van een onbekende man 1880 - 1887

This is Albert Greiner’s portrait of an unknown man. The photograph, now held in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the rigid social structures of the 19th century. During this era, photographic portraits became increasingly accessible to the middle class, offering a way to assert status and project an image of respectability. This man’s identity remains a mystery, yet his attire suggests a certain level of economic standing, a suit, tie, and neatly groomed mustache. However, the portrait also raises questions about visibility and representation. Who had the privilege to be seen and remembered, and whose stories were erased or forgotten? The anonymity of the sitter prompts us to reflect on the countless individuals whose lives remain undocumented, their identities obscured by the passage of time. In viewing this image, we are confronted with the complexities of history, memory, and the power dynamics inherent in the act of portraiture.