Portret van een staande man in overjas 1863 - 1894

This photographic portrait of a man in an overcoat was created by Henri Blanckart sometime in the late 19th century. The process used was likely albumen print, a popular choice at the time, recognizable by its subtle sepia tones and smooth surface. The photograph's material qualities—the thinness of the paper, the sharp detail achievable through chemical processes—speak to the rise of photography as a means of mass communication and documentation. The subject's clothing, particularly his overcoat and cane, reflect the social status and the economic conditions of the sitter, as well as those of the photographer. The amount of work involved in setting up the shot, posing the sitter, developing, printing, and mounting the image all contributed to the photograph's value as a commodity. Considering photography as a craft, we can appreciate the skill of Blanckart in capturing not just an image, but a moment in social history. It's a reminder that all images, even seemingly straightforward portraits, are constructed through materials, techniques, and cultural context.