Original Dutch 19th Century Soldier Photo Album – Portraits Taken Showing Progression Over Decades Original Items

Original Item: One-Of-A-Kind. The basic goal of a portrait is to capture the likeness of the subject. But a portrait can offer a lot more information than simply the shape of a face. As with all visual images, portraits lend themselves to further exploration. Why was the portrait made? What does it tell the viewer about the subject beyond their appearance? Did the format affect the result? For example, in non-photographic portraits, the vanity of the sitter or the skill of the artist might alter reality. In photographs, we can look at the goals of both the photographer and the subject. Why that pose, with these items, in those clothes, with that expression when the shutter clicked? What other factors influence how a portrait is conceived and received?

Studio portraits commonly included props, furniture and backdrops. However, occupational portraits took the use of supplemental objects to a new level. Subjects indicated their occupation or trade through the items in hand and the clothes they wore. In some cases, they even pretended to work at their chosen profession. When people prepare to pose for a portrait, they often put on their finest clothing. What drives a person to change into their work clothes and hold an implement of  their trade, instead? For soldiers it was a sense of pride and honor, much like the Dutch soldier featured in this album.

This photo album features 13 photos showing a span of approximately 50-60 years. The first photo appears to possibly be his mother. The second photo is the first photo in this progression style series. The gentleman appears to be around 10 years old and we believe the photo was taken in or around the year 1870. The pattern would seem to be a portrait every 5 or so years. It would appear that he joined the Army sometime in the mid 1880s from the appearance of his uniform. As the album progresses, so does his rank and appearance. Not only does his uniform and rank change, so does his facial features. He would have taken part in 7 different battles and wars during his time in the service and that alone would have aged him rather quickly.
The photo album is approximately 6” x 4 ½”.

This is an amazing one of a kind item and is ready for display in your photograph collections.