Portret van Jan Willem Langeler 1886 - 1900

Max Büttinghausen created this portrait of Jan Willem Langeler using a photographic process, capturing the sitter's likeness in tones of sepia. The composition is classically formal; Langeler is centered, his gaze direct, framed by a shallow depth of field that softens the background. The photograph's strength lies in its ability to convey character through subtle gradations of light and shadow. Büttinghausen masterfully uses the limited tonal range to define Langeler’s features, the set of his jaw, and the confident line of his mustache, all suggesting a personality of assurance. The framing, a decorative rectangle, adds to the sense of a carefully constructed image, fitting within the conventions of portraiture. Consider the photograph as more than a mere record. It is a study in representation, where the formal elements work together to create a lasting impression.