Portret van Gustave Lerat 1855 - 1880

This is an undated photograph of Gustave Lerat by Andrieux. It is part of a collection of portraits. This image speaks to the rise of the bourgeoisie in Europe, and how photography became a tool for representing and solidifying class identity. Lerat is pictured in a way that emphasizes his status and respectability through his clothing and controlled pose. The portrait offers insight into the norms of masculinity and social status during the time it was made, especially regarding how men were expected to present themselves in public life. The photographic style captures a moment of composed self-awareness, reflecting the subject's consciousness of their social role and image. The picture also invites us to consider how portraiture, even in its formal conventions, can reveal personal and emotional dimensions. What does it mean to have one's portrait taken, and how does that act shape both the subject and the viewer? The image becomes a space where personal identity intersects with social expectations, prompting us to reflect on the complexities of self-representation.