Portret van een man met snor 1869

Editor: This is Alphonse Scheffermeyer’s "Portret van een man met snor," made in 1869, using the gelatin-silver print method. The subdued tones and formal pose give it a really serious feel. What strikes you when you look at it? Curator: The immediate draw is the geometric framing; nested rectangles and curves set off the central figure. The composition emphasizes the tonal gradations possible with gelatin-silver. The blurring at the lower register of the portrait, caused by the soft focus and shallow depth of field draws the eye inexorably towards the subject's face, specifically towards that arresting, rather theatrical moustache. Notice how Scheffermeyer balances light and shadow to sculpt the face, using a clear Chiaroscuro technique. The symmetry is remarkable, almost mirroring his composition. How does this balance of tone and geometry speak to you? Editor: It’s true, that soft focus is interesting; almost like a halo around his face. What is the effect of that? It also brings attention to the detail captured in the moustache. Curator: The effect of the focused, clear face, as the singular subject, is a strong focal point of identity and, perhaps, a reflection of the late 19th century fixation on defining character and personality through photographic means. That being said, do you consider the figure's affect a reflection of his era or more enduring, an everyman archetype? Editor: It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? The focused face is so specific. Thinking about the formalism has opened this photograph up for me. Curator: And for me as well. Thank you!