Portret van Alfred de Vigny 1840

Émile Lassalle created this print, "Portret van Alfred de Vigny," using lithography. Lassalle created this portrait in a period where representing the intellectual and social elite through portraiture was a statement of cultural value. Alfred de Vigny, depicted here, was not only a prominent figure in the French Romantic movement but also an army officer. Lassalle captures de Vigny in profile, with a book and pen in hand, alluding to his intellectual pursuits. Yet, his military coat hints at his identity as a man of action. The portrait reflects the complexities of 19th-century masculinity, intertwining intellect, military prowess, and artistic sensitivity. By choosing lithography, Lassalle democratized the image, making it more accessible to a broader audience than traditional painted portraits would allow. The emotional depth of the work draws the viewer into de Vigny's world. It invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of identity and representation during this pivotal era.