Portret van Johan Willem Binkes, wetenschappelijk zeeofficier (1828-1891) 1847 - 1865

Pieter Jan Kaiser made this photograph of Johan Willem Binkes, a scientific naval officer, in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-19th century. It presents us with an interesting insight into the social values of the time. Photography was still a relatively new medium, and portraiture was typically reserved for the wealthy or those in positions of power. Binkes's formal attire and composed posture signal his status, while his profession as a 'scientific naval officer' suggests a society that valued exploration and knowledge. We can only imagine the Dutch naval institutions and scientific societies that shaped Binkes's career. As art historians, we could delve deeper, consulting naval archives, genealogical records, and photographic histories. This would help us understand how the image of a 'scientific naval officer' was constructed and circulated in Dutch society, reflecting its maritime power and scientific ambitions.