Camille Roqueplan c. 19th century

Curator: This is Achille Devéria's lithograph of Camille Roqueplan, an artist known for his Romantic landscapes. It's currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how Devéria captures Roqueplan's confidence, that slight smirk hinting at a self-aware charm. Curator: The lithograph was produced in 1829, when Roqueplan was establishing himself in the Parisian art world. Examining this through the lens of class and performativity, one might consider the ways in which artists like Roqueplan constructed their public identities. Editor: Indeed, and it's interesting to note the crisp lines of his attire against the softer rendering of his face and the background. There's a deliberate presentation of self here, wouldn't you agree? Curator: Absolutely. Roqueplan's clothing signifies his status and ambitions within the art establishment. The fashion becomes a tool. Editor: It’s a reminder that portraiture, especially within artistic circles, often functions as a form of cultural capital. Curator: Precisely. It invites us to question the interplay between artistic expression, social structures, and the curated image.