Portret van een jongen 1880 - 1910

Franz Richter made this photograph, titled "Portret van een jongen," but the date is unknown. This small portrait invites us to consider the social rituals of image-making and the importance of portraiture within family and institutional settings. Looking at the image, we see a young man formally dressed, likely for a special occasion. The photograph's size and the style of its presentation suggest it was likely part of a larger album, a common way to preserve personal and family history. In many Western societies, formal portraits like these were often commissioned to mark significant life events, such as confirmations, graduations, or entry into the workforce. To understand this image better, we would need to research the social history of photography, particularly portrait photography, in the country and time in which it was made. Old studio records, family archives, and social histories of the period could provide more context. Understanding the social and institutional context enriches our appreciation, revealing the complex interplay between art, personal identity, and social norms.