Studioportret van een man met snor in pak c. 1863 - 1866

This is a studio portrait of a man with a mustache in a suit, made by the Abdullah Frères. The Abdullah brothers were official photographers of the Ottoman court in Istanbul, during a time of significant political and cultural change. This photograph offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 19th century, a period marked by both tradition and the emergence of modernity. The man's attire—a formal suit and bow tie—speaks to the sartorial codes of the era, emphasizing the importance of appearance and status. Reflect on the gaze of the sitter, and consider what it might tell us about the performance of masculinity and identity in Ottoman society. How does this image uphold or challenge traditional representations of masculinity, class, and power? What narratives are present and what are conspicuously absent?