Portret van Charles van der Stappen after 21

This anonymous portrait of Charles van der Stappen offers a glimpse into the cultural landscape of late 19th-century Belgium. The photograph, probably extracted from a journal or book, depicts the sculptor in a formal pose, his monocle and attire signaling his status within the bourgeoisie. Van der Stappen was a key figure in the development of Belgian sculpture and art education. He taught at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, shaping the next generation of artists, and was known for his Realist approach. His work often engaged with contemporary social issues, reflecting the changing dynamics of Belgian society during a period of industrialization and political reform. To fully understand this portrait, we can consult exhibition catalogs and archival records from the Académie Royale. By investigating the institutional networks in which Van der Stappen operated, we can better grasp the cultural values that underpinned his artistic vision and the society that shaped it.