Portret van arts Nicolas Jadelot 1837

Nicolas Maurin created this portrait of Doctor Nicolas Jadelot using lithography at an unknown date. Maurin’s lithograph captures more than just a likeness; it's a glimpse into the identity of a professional man during the 19th century. Jadelot is portrayed with a seriousness that speaks to the values of his profession. What I find striking is how this image participates in the construction of professional identity. In a world where access to healthcare was deeply stratified along class lines, Jadelot’s image, reproduced and circulated, not only represents him as an individual but also embodies the ideals of medical knowledge and authority. How does Jadelot present himself? Does his posture convey a sense of medical authority? Maurin’s portrait freezes a moment in time, inviting us to consider the roles we play and the identities we perform.