Portret van Armand de Bourbon-Condé 1838 - 1841

This is Louis Gustave Thibault’s portrait of Armand de Bourbon-Condé. The piece gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of the French aristocracy. Portraits like these played a crucial role in constructing and maintaining the social hierarchy of the time. Armand is depicted with flowing hair, armor and an elaborate lace collar. These details don't just represent his personal style but also his status, wealth, and military prowess. The way he presents himself suggests a performance of masculinity intertwined with the expectations of his noble lineage. Consider how images like this might have shaped the way people thought about power and identity during the period. It’s a staged representation meant to convey authority. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between identity, representation, and power.