Fotoreproductie van een portret van Karoline Bauer door vermoedelijk Franz Krüger before 1875

This is a photo reproduction of a portrait of Karoline Bauer, likely made by Franz Krüger, though the artist remains anonymous. The print is found in a book from 1875 titled "Komödianten-Fahrten," which translates to "Comedian Journeys." Karoline Bauer was a prominent 19th-century actress, known for her beauty and talent. In this portrait, her soft features and elegant dress reflect the romanticized image cultivated for actresses at the time. Yet, Bauer's story goes beyond the stage. She was also the morganatic wife of Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, an uncle of Queen Victoria. This secret marriage, which was never publicly acknowledged, speaks volumes about the constraints placed on women, particularly those in the public eye. Bauer's life was a performance both on and off the stage, where her identity was shaped by societal expectations. This image freezes Bauer in time, inviting us to consider the hidden narratives and complex roles she played.