Portret van H. Wesseling 1874

Christaan Marcussen created this portrait of H. Wesseling using a photographic process that was cutting-edge at the time. The image, while small, speaks volumes about the sitter's place in the world. The photograph's formality, from Wesseling's poised posture to his tailored suit, signals a certain social standing. Yet, the portrait also captures a palpable sense of humanity. There's a softness in his eyes, a hint of vulnerability that complicates any straightforward reading of privilege or power. Consider how the very act of commissioning a portrait was, in itself, a statement of identity and aspiration during this era. This image invites us to reflect on the relationship between representation and reality, between the public persona and the private self. It stands as a testament to the enduring human desire to be seen, remembered, and understood.