Portret van een jonge man 1860 - 1905

Jan Goedeljee created this small portrait of a young man with photography in the Netherlands. During the late 19th century, photography emerged as a powerful tool for documenting individuals and shaping social perceptions. This portrait, like many others from the era, reflects the growing accessibility of photography to the middle classes, who sought to capture their likeness and project a desired image to society. The sitter's attire and pose suggest a certain level of social standing and adherence to conventional norms. The formal suit and tie, combined with the composed expression, convey a sense of respectability and upward mobility, values that were increasingly emphasized in Dutch society at the time. To fully understand the artwork's significance, one can examine the history of photography in the Netherlands, consult archives of portrait studios, and study social etiquette manuals. Through such research, we can better understand how photography participated in shaping identities and reinforcing social hierarchies.