Portret van een man met hoge hoed c. 1864 - 1865

This is a portrait of a man with a high hat by E. Lothrop, held at the Rijksmuseum. The photograph is distinguished by its contrasting textures and shapes within a muted palette. Encased within an oval frame decorated with delicate, lace-like patterns, the central figure commands attention through the stark contrast of his dark attire and the subdued background. The man's tall hat and neatly groomed beard create strong vertical lines, which are softened by the gentle curves of his face and the ornate frame. Lothrop’s careful attention to the formal interplay of light and shadow gives a sense of depth, while also enhancing the sitter’s authoritative presence. The structural arrangement of the image—the geometric hat, the facial hair, the patterned border—creates a visual hierarchy. The photograph invites us to consider the codes of representation present in this very small portrait. By studying these elements, we can begin to unravel the image's complex interplay between formality and expression.