Dimensions: height 100 mm, width 61 mm, height 533 mm, width 340 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is a photograph of L.C. van Goudoever, a professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Utrecht, made by A.A. Vermeulen & Co. The portrait is composed within a small rectangular frame, set against a larger neutral background. The subdued sepia tones and the soft-focus of the subject’s face create an impression of quiet dignity and intellectual depth. The subject's suit and bow tie, rendered with careful attention to detail, are presented in a tight framing. The formal attire and centered composition serve to create a sense of authority and respectability. The symmetry in his pose, from the balanced facial features to the symmetrical cut of his jacket, reinforces a sense of classical order. This photograph exists not merely as a depiction of an individual but as a carefully constructed representation of professional identity and social standing. The photograph reflects broader cultural values around representation, authority and the burgeoning field of medical science during the 19th century.
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