Madame Laborde 1859

Winslow Homer created this engraving of Madame Laborde, likely in 1859, for Ballou’s Pictorial, a mid-19th-century American illustrated newspaper. It gives us a glimpse into the world of opera and celebrity culture during that era. Madame Laborde was a celebrated opera singer, and her portrayal in Ballou's speaks to the public's fascination with performers who, like her, often became symbols of cultural aspiration and refinement. In the 19th century, opera was associated with high society and European sophistication. For women in particular, like Laborde, such public recognition also meant navigating the constraints and expectations placed upon them by society. Here, Homer presents Laborde with a mix of grace and formality, reflecting the dual role she played as both artist and public figure. It's a reminder of how individuals, especially women, negotiate their identities within the cultural narratives of their time.