Portret van een zittende man 1860 - 1880

This portrait of a seated man was captured with photography by A. Nissen. Although its exact date is unknown, the visual codes, such as the man’s clothing and pose, suggest it was produced in the mid-19th century, probably in Europe. During this time, photography studios proliferated, and portraiture became increasingly accessible to the middle class. The man's formal attire and dignified posture reflect the values of respectability and social advancement prevalent during this period. Seated in an ornate chair, he exudes an air of authority and refinement, likely aiming to project a specific image of himself to viewers. Historians employ various resources to understand images like this one. Archival records, studio directories, and social histories can provide insights into the photographer's practice, the sitter's identity, and the broader cultural context in which the portrait was produced. Photography, as this image reminds us, offers a fascinating window into the social and institutional dynamics of its time.