Portret van een jonge man in kostuum c. 1860 - 1890

Henri Pronk made this portrait of a young man in costume, likely sometime in the mid-19th century. The photograph, with its period-specific costume, invites us to consider how identity is constructed through representation. The young man is adorned in what appears to be a theatrical costume, possibly referencing historical or literary figures. This act of dressing up allows him to explore different facets of identity, blurring the lines between reality and performance. The costume can be seen as a statement about the sitter's social standing, or perhaps even a playful commentary on societal norms. In an era marked by rigid social structures, this image seems to offer a space for self-expression and reinvention. The photograph captures not just an image, but an idea about identity—one that is both personal and deeply intertwined with cultural narratives. It reminds us that who we are is, in part, a story we tell through the clothes we wear and the roles we play.