Portret van een zittende man met bakkebaarden 1850s - 1860s

Editor: Here we have a charming portrait from the mid-19th century, "Portret van een zittende man met bakkebaarden", which translates to "Portrait of a seated man with sideburns," created sometime between the 1850s and 1860s by Hermanus Philippus Jacobus Schuiten. It’s an albumen print, which gives it this wonderfully soft, almost dreamy quality. There's a kind of stoicism in the man's expression, and the oval frame adds a sense of formality. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It’s like gazing into a lost world, isn’t it? The albumen print process… it gives everything this sepia-toned nostalgia, a whisper of the past. Notice the detail in his coat, versus the deliberate blurring of the background - this pushes him forward, into our space. Schuiten is capturing more than just likeness here, he is presenting an idea, a societal role perhaps. Makes you wonder what his story was. What kind of life did he lead? Editor: That's interesting. I hadn't thought about the blurring as a way of focusing on his social role. So much attention is given to the details of his suit, as well. Almost like a status symbol. Curator: Precisely. What would you have thought if Schuiten had added a mischievous glint in his eye or mussed his hair a little bit? It really highlights how deliberate these images were; these aren't casual snapshots, these are crafted identities. Photography at this stage was still relatively new and imbued with a sense of ceremony and considered presentation. Do you feel you can see that ceremonial tone in his gaze? Editor: I definitely see what you mean. I initially saw him as stern, but now, thinking of that era, "composed" might be a better word. It really makes you think about the stories behind these antique photographs. Curator: Absolutely. And the best art always makes you ask those questions, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely a new way to view a formal, older piece such as this. I appreciate your insights.