Portret van Jeanne Samary in de rol van Lisette in L'École des Maris before 1880

This photograph at the Rijksmuseum depicts Jeanne Samary in the role of Lisette, a character in "L'École des Maris." Though anonymous, the artist masterfully arranges the composition to draw our attention to the interplay between character and setting. The subject is centrally positioned, her posture and costume defining the visual structure. Light and shadow emphasize the textures of her garments, creating a dialogue between her form and the architectural elements around her. The columns and mantelpiece provide a backdrop that mirrors the theatrical nature of her role, framing her as if she were on a stage. The use of monochrome flattens the space, encouraging us to consider the relationships between form and representation. It raises questions about the semiotics of theatre, the roles we play, and how these are constructed through visual codes. This image invites us to consider the fluid boundaries between art, performance, and identity.