Portret van Pasquale Paoli 1827

Jean-Baptiste Mauzaisse made this print of Pasquale Paoli, the Corsican patriot and leader, sometime in the early 19th century. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and constructing national heroes. Paoli, who led the Corsican Republic in the 1750s and 60s, became an iconic figure for liberals and nationalists across Europe. Here, he is depicted in a formal pose, his powdered wig and stern expression conveying authority and intellect. The print was made in France during the Restoration period, when the country was trying to re-establish a sense of national identity after the Napoleonic Wars. Paoli, who had lived in exile in Britain for many years, was seen as a symbol of resistance to tyranny. The artist, Mauzaisse, was a student of the famous painter Jean-Baptiste Regnault, and his work reflects the classical style that was popular at the time. Understanding this image means researching the history of Corsica, the political movements of the 19th century, and the institutions of art that shaped its production.