Portrait of Charles Leland 1871

Félix Bracquemond created this etching of Charles Leland using a drypoint technique. It captures Leland, an American writer and folklorist known for his interest in Gypsy culture and magic. Consider the gaze: Leland's eyes meet yours with a sense of directness, perhaps inviting you into his world of folklore and esoteric knowledge. His abundant beard marks him as a figure of intellectualism, fitting with the image of a learned scholar. In the late 19th century, there was growing interest in occultism and spiritualism, and Leland was part of this cultural moment. He was deeply interested in marginalized cultures, which is evident in his writings. This portrait captures his unique persona, blending elements of the conventional intellectual with a hint of the unconventional. It offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of identity and representation during a time of social and intellectual change.