Portret van een (vermoedelijk) Nederlandse militair, zittend bij een bord met opschrift '6' c. 1868 - 1884

Curator: Here we see a photographic portrait from the late 19th century, sometime between 1868 and 1884, created by Veuve J. van Koningsveld. The image, titled "Portret van een (vermoedelijk) Nederlandse militair, zittend bij een bord met opschrift '6'" – or "Portrait of a (Presumed) Dutch Soldier Sitting by a Sign with the Number '6'," captures a seated soldier at what seems to be a makeshift desk. What's your initial reaction, Editor? Editor: My first thought? Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork! Even soldiers get bogged down, it seems. Seriously, though, there’s a quiet dignity in this. The sepia tones and formal composition evoke a strong sense of the past, of stories untold. The light seems to be really embracing this poor guy sitting down writing, with only his pen for company. Curator: Precisely! Photography during this period often served a crucial function. Consider that as a medium it documented societal changes and political events. Also, people sought to portray themselves or their loved ones as having power or success. It seems probable this photograph commemorates the sitter’s achievements in the military. Editor: I find it incredibly touching. You see the careful pose, and then you notice details like the number '6'. Is it a rank? An award? Or perhaps his luck number? It makes you wonder what he was really like, away from the stiff portrait setting. Was he really writing orders? Was he even literate? So many untold stories captured in the image of this one dude. I'm kinda feeling this portrait right now, to be honest. Curator: Indeed. We also can think about photography studios from that time, how they were businesses shaping social image through carefully curated depictions and by either reinforcing or challenging social hierarchies. This photo, while simple, would have been a constructed performance, offering a certain version of military service and Dutch identity. Editor: It feels like an artifact, but simultaneously, it shows how some things remain constant: sitting down with your job at hand just needing to get through it. Also, now I wanna know what's on those papers! Thanks a lot! Curator: And for me, revisiting this piece reminds me how every carefully constructed image participates in a dialogue across time. In other words, this photography creates an interaction between then and now, sitter and viewer. Editor: Okay, now I think the best way to honor the man is to finally get that paperwork done for him. Let's go to it, old timer, lets work our way out!