Portret van Jean-Baptiste Bessières 1818 - 1842

This is a portrait of Jean-Baptiste Bessières by Jean-Baptiste Mauzaisse, a print held at the Rijksmuseum. Mauzaisse created this print in the early 19th century, a time of significant social and political upheaval in France following the French Revolution and the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. Bessières, depicted here in his military attire, was a prominent figure during the Napoleonic era. The portrait reflects the visual culture of the time, where powerful men were often idealized to project authority. However, we might also ask ourselves what is concealed beneath this image. How do the trappings of power and status intersect with the artist's own identity and experiences in a society undergoing rapid change? While the portrait ostensibly celebrates Bessières, it also invites us to consider the broader context of French society, its values, and its power structures.