Portret van de danseres Cléo de Mérode c. 1895

This is Léopold Reutlinger's portrait of the dancer Cléo de Mérode. During the Belle Époque, de Mérode was an international celebrity, admired for her beauty and grace. This photograph, like many images of her, played a significant role in constructing her public persona, carefully balancing aristocratic elegance with the sensuality expected of a dancer. De Mérode’s image circulated widely, and reveals the complex dynamics of celebrity, femininity, and cultural fascination at the turn of the century. De Mérode navigated the male gaze by maintaining control over her image. This can be seen in the way she insisted on natural hairstyles and minimal makeup. In a world where women were often objectified, de Mérode carved out a space for herself, negotiating the boundaries of fame and respectability. This image serves as a reminder of the power and agency that women can exert, even within restrictive social frameworks.