Zelfportret van Eugène van Maldeghem 1823 - 1867

Eugène Van Maldeghem created this self-portrait in pencil, but its date is unknown. This was a period in the 19th century when the rapidly changing social and political landscape of Belgium deeply influenced its art. Looking closely, we can see a hint of the man's status in the fine details of his clothing and bearing. His attire, complete with a bow tie and what appears to be a medal, suggests a man of some standing. Van Maldeghem was a history painter who was associated with the Belgian Royal Academy. Could the coat of arms we see in the corner be a reference to the Royal Academy? To fully understand this self-portrait, we must also consider the social and institutional contexts in which it was made. Researching the archives of the Belgian Royal Academy would give us a clearer understanding of Van Maldeghem’s place within the artistic and social hierarchies of his time. Art is always contingent on social context.