Portret van Charles de Dompierre d'Hornoy before 1885

This is a portrait of Charles de Dompierre d'Hornoy, created by an artist known only as N.C. The photograph offers a glimpse into the life and identity of a man who once held a position of power as a senator. D'Hornoy is depicted in his military uniform, adorned with medals, marking him as a figure deeply entrenched in the structures of authority. The portrait is an oval vignette within a larger rectangular frame, it is like a window into his identity. What does it mean to look into the face of someone who was part of the ruling class? What do we see reflected back at us? Is it a celebration of power, or is it a somber reminder of the complexities inherent in the exercise of authority? This portrait serves as a focal point for contemplating the interplay between individual identity, historical context, and societal structures.