Portret van een man met bakkebaarden 1910 - 1920

Editor: Here we have Jan Hendrik Fortgens' "Portret van een man met bakkebaarden," created sometime between 1910 and 1920, a portrait captured through photography. I'm struck by how directly he looks at the viewer, almost challenging us. What do you see in this piece? Curator: What stands out to me is how this image participates in the democratization of portraiture during this period. Photography made images of individuals more accessible across social classes. Before, only the wealthy could afford painted portraits. The photo challenges the idea of portraiture as solely reserved for elites, marking a significant cultural shift. Notice, for instance, the man's clothing. Editor: It's a pretty plain coat, not very ornate. Curator: Exactly. It speaks volumes about the sitter’s likely social standing and the intended audience for such images. Could this photograph have been commissioned? Or perhaps created within a familial context? It prompts us to ask questions about the circulation and function of images in early 20th century Dutch society. The gaze confronts us with a very real presence, defying easy categorization. Editor: So, the image is more than just a likeness, but a reflection of societal change. The accessibility of photography empowered more people to participate in visual culture. I'm really starting to see this portrait in a totally new light! Curator: Indeed. And how these types of images eventually redefined portraiture and public representation overall!