Portret van A. Kolking 1914 - 1918

This photograph captures A. Kolking, immortalized with a focused gaze and dignified composure. The gentleman's attire, with his collared shirt, tie and tailored suit, speaks of a certain social standing and adherence to the conventions of his time. These sartorial choices, while seemingly simple, are laden with cultural significance; echoing through history from the garments of ancient senators to the modern power suit. Consider the evolution of such attire across eras – what once signified civic duty in Rome, becomes a symbol of bourgeois identity and capitalist prowess. Like the recurring motifs in a Renaissance painting, the symbolism of clothing morphs and adapts, yet maintains its connection to notions of authority and societal role. Indeed, the act of portraiture itself is a recurring motif. From royal effigies to modern snapshots, each image seeks to capture not just likeness, but also the essence of the sitter within the tapestry of time.