Portret van een (vermoedelijk) Nederlandse militair c. 1857 - 1870

Editor: We’re looking at a piece titled "Portret van een (vermoedelijk) Nederlandse militair" – which I believe translates to 'Portrait of a (Presumed) Dutch Military Man.' It's by Woodbury & Page, dating back to somewhere between 1857 and 1870. An albumen print, housed right here at the Rijksmuseum! The soldier looks very stern, doesn't he? There's almost a weight in his gaze. What strikes you most about this portrait? Curator: Oh, absolutely, there's a gravity there. But you know, the albumen print process, that velvety texture, it always adds this dreamlike quality, softening the edges of reality. I see ambition etched into his face, the stiff posture… But I also wonder, looking at his eyes, about the cost of duty, the personal sacrifices maybe. Do you notice the slight blurring around the edges? It's not a flaw; it's an invitation. To fill in the blanks, to imagine his story beyond the uniform, past the medals and tassels. Photography at this time had some rigid protocols... do you see those here? Editor: Good point! I hadn't considered how much the albumen print affects the interpretation. The blurriness makes him less like a historical figure and more… human? I also see that his pose looks stiff compared to today’s pictures but it might be because he had to sit still for a long time in a relatively new method for portraiture? Curator: Precisely! And those small details - they transport me. The photographic print has the rigidity, while it makes me dream. How intriguing is that! Editor: It's fascinating to think about how different photographic practices shape our perceptions. I definitely have a deeper appreciation for this portrait now! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! The stories hidden in plain sight – isn't that the best part of art?