Portret van Étienne Arnal 1822 - 1883

Marie-Alexandre Alophe created this lithograph of Étienne Arnal. During the 19th century, portraiture was often a display of status, capturing the likeness and essence of individuals who held positions of power or influence. Here, Arnal is not depicted as a man of action, but rather, in a moment of contemplative repose. His gaze is directed away, perhaps lost in thought, with his fingers casually holding his glasses. During this period, societal norms dictated strict gender roles, and men were often portrayed as strong and rational figures. Looking closely, we can see a slight softness in his features and posture. This hints at the complexities of identity that often lie beneath the surface, defying simple categorization. Alophe’s lithograph gives us access to a moment in time, inviting us to reflect on the layers of identity and representation embedded within it.