Portret van een onbekende staande man 1880 - 1906

Willem Gerhardus Kuijer made this portrait of an unknown man in Amsterdam, using a photographic technique. In the latter half of the 19th century, photography became a booming business. Studios popped up everywhere, offering the burgeoning middle class a chance to immortalize themselves. This small photograph, likely a ‘carte-de-visite’, speaks to the democratizing force of photography. It offered a new form of portraiture that was more accessible than painting. Kuijer’s studio, as evidenced by the printed information at the bottom, was part of this new industry. The subject, while unknown to us, clearly belonged to a social class that could afford such a luxury. His double-breasted suit and bow tie signal a certain level of respectability and adherence to social norms. Understanding this image requires us to consider the history of photography, the rise of the middle class, and the commercialization of art. Researching photographic studios of the time, fashion trends, and social hierarchies can provide a richer context for interpreting this seemingly simple portrait.