Portret van Charles Bosselet 1875

Auguste Danse made this engraving of Charles Bosselet in 1875. A portrait like this provides a glimpse into the values of the bourgeoisie of late 19th century Europe. Danse, a Belgian artist, would have been trained in the established artistic academies of the time which emphasized technical skill and adherence to accepted standards. Portraiture was a key way for the middle classes to demonstrate their status. The sharp lines and tonal control evident here reflect the engraver's mastery, but also the sitter's desire to project an image of respectability. Bosselet's suit and bow tie are visual cues of his social standing. To fully understand this image, one would need to research the lives of both artist and sitter, and the institutional structures of the art world in Belgium at this time. Through such research, we can better understand the social conditions that shaped its production and reception.