Portret van Emile Auguste Carolus-Duran before 1876

This vintage print, currently held in the Rijksmuseum, portrays Emile Auguste Carolus-Duran, a prominent French painter known for his portraits and genre scenes. Without knowing the exact date, we can still consider the cultural and artistic context of the time. Carolus-Duran, who lived from 1837 to 1917, emerged during a period of significant social and artistic change in France. As a portraitist, he captured the likenesses of the Parisian elite, reflecting their social standing and aspirations. His own artistic journey and success reflects the class structures of 19th-century France. Consider how Carolus-Duran navigated the art world, gaining recognition and patronage within the established artistic circles of his time. This portrait invites us to reflect on the relationship between the artist, their subjects, and the broader social and political context in which they lived and worked.