Portret van Lucas Jonker 1870 - 1890

This is a photographic portrait of Lucas Jonker by Wegner & Mottu, its date is unknown. The composition is classically structured, centering the subject, Lucas Jonker, within an oval frame. The monochromatic palette enhances the photograph's formal qualities and contributes to its function as a record of an individual. The scale is intimate, contained within a small format, which invites a close inspection of the sitter's features and attire. Jonker's gaze is directed off-center, giving the piece an air of contemplative thoughtfulness, which challenges the static nature of traditional portraiture. Structurally, the image raises questions about how photography captures and constructs identity. It serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting societal values and conventions around portraiture. It is not just a likeness, but a carefully constructed image meant to convey a specific sense of self.