Portret van Henri Edouard Ernie 1880 - 1900

Jean Théodore Jamin created this photograph of Henri Edouard Ernie some time before his death in 1867. Photographic portraiture was becoming increasingly common at this time, as new technologies and entrepreneurial photographers made it possible for more people to have their likeness captured. The image itself is a fascinating display of cultural codes. Henri Edouard Ernie's neat hair, carefully groomed moustache, and respectable pinstripe suit speak volumes about the values of bourgeois masculinity in mid-19th century France. This image can be understood as a visual marker of social identity and aspiration. Delving into the archives of photographic studios and genealogical records may reveal more about Ernie's social standing and how he wished to be seen. Understanding these social and institutional contexts allows us to interpret the photograph not just as a portrait, but as a window into a specific moment in French history.