Portret van een onbekende man, zittend aan een tafel 1870s - 1880s

Johan Willem Hendrik van Gelder created this small photograph of an unknown man in the Netherlands, likely in the 1870s or 80s. The carte-de-visite, as these photos were called, became a global phenomenon in the mid-19th century, fueled by advances in photographic technology and printmaking. These easily produced and relatively inexpensive portraits democratized image-making, extending it beyond the realm of the elite. Suddenly, members of the middle class could participate in visual culture by commissioning portraits of themselves and their families. Here, the sitter’s suit and tie, as well as the ornate chair he sits in, speak to the social aspirations of the Dutch middle class. The photograph served as a public declaration of status and belonging. Understanding the social function of photographs such as this one requires historical research, especially into the rise of the middle class and the development of photographic technology in the 19th century. Studying these elements can enrich our understanding of photography as a social practice.