Suzanne Fourment c. 19th century

Editor: This print, "Suzanne Fourment" by Robert Cooper, dating back to the late 17th or early 18th century, strikes me as a portrait of poised elegance. What’s your interpretation of the social context surrounding this image? Curator: This image compels us to consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture, doesn't it? How does Suzanne Fourment's representation reinforce or challenge societal expectations of women during that era? Note the controlled gaze, the opulent attire; what story do those visual cues tell about her identity and status within a patriarchal society? Editor: It’s like she is both displaying her wealth and subtly resisting the viewer’s gaze. I hadn't considered it that way. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! Now, thinking about the male gaze, how might a female artist have represented Suzanne differently, do you think?