Portret van een man in een lange jas met een boek in de hand c. 1863 - 1867

This photograph of a man in a long coat, holding a book, was made by Henri Pronk in the 19th century. It is a small print, likely an albumen print – a process that involved coating paper with egg white to create a smooth surface for the photographic emulsion. Photography in this era was a complex interplay of chemistry and craft. The creation of albumen prints required meticulous preparation and handling of materials. From coating the paper to developing the image, each step was a labor-intensive process. The photograph's sepia tones speak to the materials used and their inherent qualities. But it also reflects the social context of photography at the time. It was a relatively new medium, increasingly used for portraiture. The subject’s pose, attire, and the inclusion of a book all suggest an aspiration to project a certain social standing. Considering the photograph in terms of its making helps us appreciate the artistry and effort involved. It also challenges us to think about how photography, even in its early days, was deeply intertwined with social and cultural values.