Portret van de architect Schadde, ten voeten uit 1861

This is a portrait of the architect Schadde made by Joseph Dupont. Here we see the architect presented as a figure of bourgeois authority, in a carte de visite, that became popular in Belgium and France from the 1860s. Photography was at this time still a relatively new technology and it changed the way that people saw themselves and their place in society. This carte de visite may have served as a way for architect Schadde to establish himself in his profession through careful staging. Notice the way the architect poses with his hand in his pocket, while a book sits on the table beside him, both of which contribute to the portrayal of a refined man of culture. The value of art and images depends on the cultural and institutional context in which they are viewed. The historian has to consider these factors to understand how meanings are created. We can look to archives, newspapers, and other resources to understand the artist and sitter's social and cultural background.