Portret van Hendrik van Artois Bourbon 1823

This is A. Bosselman's portrait of Hendrik van Artois Bourbon, made using an engraving technique. The boy’s elegant dress and refined features construct an image of innocence and nobility. Portraits like this played a key role in shaping public perceptions, especially in times of political uncertainty. This one was made in France, likely during the first half of the 19th century, after the Bourbon Restoration. The depiction of Hendrik, the Duke of Bordeaux, as a symbol of dynastic continuity reflects the conservative aspirations of the restored monarchy. The image works to legitimize power through sentimental appeals to tradition. To fully understand the context and meaning of this print, we can investigate the illustrated press of the period, along with archival records of the Bourbon court. Such resources give insight into the political uses of imagery, which is vital to the historian's understanding.