Portret van August Böckh 1850 - 1867

Editor: Here we have a fascinating piece: A portrait of August Böckh, dating from somewhere between 1850 and 1867. It’s an albumen print photograph by Hermann Günther. Looking at it, I'm struck by the formality and almost studious quality to it – there is a palpable sense of capturing a moment of quiet reflection. What is your take on this work? Curator: You know, it’s funny, because when I first saw it, the sepia tones transported me to my great-aunt’s attic. But more seriously, these early photographic portraits are interesting cultural objects. Consider what it meant to have your image captured back then. It wasn’t the everyday event it is now, was it? I find myself wondering about August Böckh. I wonder if he knew this image would endure. The formality you mention is likely very intentional. Editor: Definitely a contrast to our current selfie culture! And yes, the subject must have known something special was occurring with this print, given that they left us their signature right underneath their portrait! Tell me more about why someone would commission, or sit for, something like this back then. Curator: Well, consider the sitters. In that era, only very few people could get this portrait done! Given his demeanor and this beautifully etched border, it suggests someone of substance, someone perhaps wishing to be remembered in a certain light. What does his attire suggest to you? Does it convey something more? Editor: It makes him look academic, proper, distinguished! A true man of the era, one might even say! I appreciate you making me look more closely; it truly shows us a man ready to be depicted with great pride and confidence. Curator: And hopefully, now we too can imagine what it was like to exist alongside the man, the academic, the esteemed August Böckh.