Portret van een man met snor en vlinderstrik 1894 - 1905

Editor: This is a very dapper "Portrait of a Man with Mustache and Bow Tie," by Blanckart Frères, made sometime between 1894 and 1905, using the albumen print process. He seems like he's trying so hard to look serious, but there's a hint of a twinkle in his eye. What do you make of him? Curator: He certainly does look self-assured, doesn't he? I find myself wondering about the relationship between the photographer and the sitter. In a way, every portrait is a collaborative dance between two souls. He’s dressed in his finest, presenting himself to the world, or perhaps just to a loved one. Photography at this time was as much about posterity, and crafting your own narrative. Editor: So it's more of a performance? Curator: Precisely. Think of the elaborate sets used in early photography, and how long people had to sit to have their picture taken. It made me think: Is he presenting his genuine self, or an idealized version for future generations? Do you think he has a sense of humor? That's what I love about portraiture—the endless questions they pose. Editor: The time period definitely adds another layer of interest to this portrait. I never considered it a dance. It makes you think about power, and vulnerability. Thank you! Curator: It’s my pleasure! It seems, even across time, that we're still trying to see each other, aren't we? It's so wonderful how a simple photograph can hold such complexity and make us consider those questions.