Portret van een zittende man met snor 1863 - 1866

Joseph Maes captured this small photograph, titled ‘Portret van een zittende man met snor’ – or, ‘Portrait of a seated man with a moustache’ – using the collodion process. Notice how the composition divides the frame into distinct zones, from the ornate tablecloth and the sitter’s checkered trousers, to the sharp angles of the chair and the sitter’s carefully groomed moustache. This creates a structured yet intimate portrayal. The sepia tones evoke a sense of nostalgia and formality. Consider how Maes used the structural elements to convey societal ideals, especially during a period where photographic portraits were becoming increasingly accessible. By controlling elements such as pose and setting, Maes constructs a narrative, thus reflecting the cultural values of representation and identity of the time. Ultimately, the photograph captures a moment that continues to resonate with our perceptions of identity, representation, and the enduring impact of visual structures on cultural memory.