Alfred Grévin (French caricaturist and costume designer, 1827-1892) 1875 - 1877

Curator: This arresting portrait, taken between 1875 and 1877, captures Alfred Grévin, the renowned French caricaturist and costume designer. The work combines photography with graphite on an albumen print and is currently held at The Art Institute of Chicago. What impressions does it conjure for you? Editor: Oh, he's got presence! It's that slightly askew beret, the twinkle in his eye... I feel like he's about to tell me a terribly witty joke at my expense, and I'd absolutely adore it. Curator: His beret is certainly part of his character; even in a formal portrait, we see his individuality. Consider the weight that simple head covering holds in this period. Berets were widely worn by artists as badges of their status in Parisian circles, symbols of bohemian life and a marker of artistic intellect. Editor: You know, there’s something touchingly vulnerable about it, too. Despite the flamboyant mustache and assured gaze, that beret hints at a more casual and perhaps less secure soul beneath the bravado. A costume designer, after all, must constantly juggle identity and performance. Curator: Exactly! And that duality—the tension between the crafted persona and the authentic self—permeates this piece. Grévin's work often played with social roles, dissecting them through caricature. This portrait presents an intriguing intersection. Is this an insight into the real man or yet another cleverly designed character? Note the little dangling fob, maybe a lucky charm or decorative seal? Editor: It’s a puzzle, isn’t it? And it really humanizes him. He isn't just a face in history, but an individual grappling with identity, presentation. This photograph almost feels like a dialogue between performance and the person trying to find quietude amidst the noise. I imagine his drawings held up mirrors of humanity, much like this photograph reveals another layer within him. Curator: A thoughtful note, considering his profession and context, that mirrors can be deceivingly revealing. And the photograph has captured so much beyond his clothing. Thank you for joining me. Editor: My pleasure, an enigmatic exploration indeed. I may look at photographs in new ways now!