Portret van Aline Dhont 1890 - 1894

Louis Désiré Dupont created this portrait of Aline Dhont using photography during a time when the medium was still in its relative infancy. This portrait offers us a glimpse into the rigid social structures and gendered expectations of the 19th century. Aline's reserved pose and modest attire reflect the era’s emphasis on female virtue and domesticity. Consider the limitations placed on women's self-expression at the time; photography, while capable of capturing individual likeness, also became a tool for reinforcing societal norms. What does it mean to have one's image captured and presented in a way that conforms to these standards? The portrait serves as both a personal memento and a public declaration of identity, shaped by the prevailing cultural values of the time.