Portret van Edile Riquer in de rol van de markiezin in Le Pour et le Contre before 1880

This photograph captures Edile Riquer in character as the Marquise from "Le Pour et le Contre," and was produced by an anonymous photographer in the late 19th century. Portraits like this reflect the period's fascination with theater and its stars, capturing a moment of performance for posterity. The image invites us to consider the construction of identity through performance, and how class is embodied through dress and pose. Riquer’s elaborate gown, juxtaposed with the luxurious interior, speaks volumes about the performance of aristocratic identity on stage and in society. Photographs like this one also raise questions about the gaze and representation. Who is capturing the image, and for what purpose? And how does the act of portrayal affect the identity of the performer? Think about how costume, posture and the careful staging could both reveal and conceal aspects of identity. This portrait is not just a record but an active participant in the dialogue between art, identity, and society.