Portret van Philibert Auguste Joseph Maigret 1863

This is a print of Philibert Auguste Joseph Maigret by Joseph Schubert. Schubert was active in a period of shifting social identities. The print offers an insight into the visual representation of men during this time. With its precise lines, the image portrays Maigret, his gaze direct and assured. It subtly reflects the values and expectations placed upon men in the 19th century, such as self-possession, and a position of authority. Yet, what does it mean to perform such masculinity? The print invites us to consider how identity is both constructed and perceived, and to reflect on the narratives that shape our understanding of self and society. How do you see yourself fitting into these historical portrayals?