Portret van een zittende man 1855 - 1869

This is a portrait of a seated man by Hermanus Philippus Jacobus Schuiten, an artwork held at the Rijksmuseum. The portrait, while seemingly a straightforward representation of bourgeois masculinity, opens up questions about representation and identity in the 19th century. The man's formal attire and composed demeanor speak to the era's emphasis on respectability and social status. During this period, photography was becoming more accessible, offering new ways for individuals to craft and control their public image. Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture; who has the privilege to be seen and remembered? The photograph invites us to reflect on the stories that are told and the many that are left untold. What does it mean to have one's likeness preserved, and what impact does that have on our understanding of history and humanity?