Portret van Édouard René Lefebvre de Laboulaye 1874 - 1879

This photogravure of Édouard René Lefebvre de Laboulaye by Nadar is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The composition, set within a book spread, presents a framed portrait on the left and accompanying text and decorations on the right. Nadar’s portrait emphasizes the sitter’s face, capturing a sense of character through light and shadow. The framing of the photograph within the book context introduces an interesting interplay between image and text. Here, Nadar's lens operates as a semiotic tool, capturing not just likeness but also encoding cultural values and social meanings. The portrait, carefully posed and lit, presents Laboulaye as a figure of intellectual and social standing. Note how the photogravure process itself impacts our perception. The tonal range and fine details contribute to a sense of depth and texture, enhancing the psychological impact of the portrait. The choice of medium, combined with Nadar's compositional decisions, invites us to consider the cultural and historical context in which this image was created and circulated, challenging viewers to look beyond surface appearances.