Portrait of Emma Dauvilliers 1888 - 1889

Marcellin Desboutin created this drypoint print, titled "Portrait of Emma Dauvilliers," in France, likely during the late 19th century. Desboutin was among a number of artists who used printmaking to explore modern life. His chosen medium was part of a deliberate strategy to engage with a wider public outside of the established salons. Prints like this one allowed artists to circulate images and ideas more freely, challenging the traditional art institutions. Looking closely, we can see how the loose lines and informal pose reflect a shift away from the rigid conventions of academic portraiture. Dauvilliers’s direct gaze and relaxed posture suggest a modern woman, confident and self-aware. To truly understand this portrait, we need to look at the social and economic conditions of 19th-century France and consider the changing role of women in society. By studying period documents and critical writings, we can gain insights into the cultural values and power dynamics that shaped both the artist's vision and our own interpretation of the work.