Portret van een man in kostuum, aangeduid als J.R. van Geuns 1879 - 1913

This photograph is of a man named J.R. van Geuns in costume by Adolphe Zimmermans. Portraits like this one can be read as performative acts; as carefully constructed representations of identity. Van Geuns’s choice to don a costume places him within a specific cultural context, referencing historical narratives and ideals. The attire evokes a sense of grandeur and nobility, reflecting aspirations of status and cultural capital. It is interesting to consider whether he is involved in theater, or expressing a fascination with a certain period in history. This image prompts reflection on the fluidity of identity and the ways in which individuals navigate social expectations through deliberate self-presentation. What does it mean to adopt a persona? How does clothing shape our understanding of ourselves and others? This portrait captures a moment of self-conscious display, inviting us to consider the complexities of identity.