Portret van Emile Masquelier, schepen van Mons 1889

This is Auguste Danse’s etching of Emile Masquelier, mayor of Mons, Belgium. Though undated, it likely comes from the second half of the 19th century. Danse was a master of reproductive printmaking, a practice that served key roles in the social and political life of European cities. Prints like this were often commissioned by the sitter to commemorate their importance. They were made available for sale in local print shops and book stores. These images were powerful tools for building prestige and solidifying social networks. Note the detail of Masquelier’s clothing: the cut of his suit and the rosette in his lapel speak to his status and professional achievements. Belgian cities in the 19th century were undergoing rapid industrialization and intense political debate. Careful research into the archives of Mons might reveal what roles Masquelier played in these debates, and how Danse’s image helped him to shape public opinion. The meaning of this print is embedded in the social and institutional circumstances that gave rise to it.