Portret van een onbekende man c. 1900 - 1920

This is a small photographic print of an unknown man by A.C. Verhees, and what strikes me is how photography, much like painting, is all about process. Looking at his face, I wonder, what was it like to sit still for this portrait? You can imagine the layers of silver emulsion, built up, slowly revealing this man's likeness. There’s something about the tonal range, from dark to light, that reminds me of an etching, like a Rembrandt. And the way he is posed, a three quarter view, is so formal, so posed. But there’s a hint of a wry smile playing on his lips. It is these details that give it life. It reminds me of a Man Ray photograph, but the subject has a totally different attitude, as though he has places to be and things to do. Ultimately, it is a conversation between the past and the present. It’s about keeping the dialogue going.