Coupin de la Couperie 1816

Editor: This is Anne-Louis Girodet’s portrait of Coupin de la Couperie, it looks like a print. The subject has a very serious gaze. What can you tell me about its history? Curator: Portraits like these, circulated as prints, helped construct and reinforce social hierarchies. The sitter's pose, clothing, and even facial expression contribute to a carefully crafted image of status and power. How might this image have functioned within the artistic and political landscape of its time? Editor: So, it's not just a likeness but a carefully constructed statement? I never thought of it that way. Curator: Exactly. These images played a role in shaping public perception and solidifying power structures. It's fascinating to consider how art intersects with politics and social norms. Editor: I'll definitely look at portraits differently from now on!