Portret van Hendrik van Mecklenburg-Schwerin 1900s - 1910s

This is Ferdinand Robert Ebner's portrait of Hendrik van Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Although undated, the photograph likely comes from the early 20th century. Here we see Hendrik in his naval uniform, complete with decorations, posed in what seems to be a formal garden. The column to the right is a symbol of prestige while the hat on the ornate table suggests status and perhaps even leisure. But what are we to make of the dog? The Dachshund breed originated in Germany. Often associated with royalty, it underscores Hendrik's aristocratic identity. Its diminutive size, however, contrasts with Hendrik's imposing figure, perhaps deflating the image of power that he wants to project. Looking at photographs, we can ask questions about the culture of representation in Hendrik’s era. What did it mean to have one’s portrait taken? What other images circulated at the time, and how did they contribute to the construction of social roles and power dynamics? These are just some of the questions a social historian can ask.