Reproductie van een foto van een portret van Mathieu de Ruddere de te Lokeren before 1858

This lithograph portrait by Henri Borremans reproduces a photograph of Mathieu de Ruddere de te Lokeren. It is part of a larger book. This portrait and biography served to solidify the status of political representatives in 19th-century Belgium. The text emphasizes de Ruddere’s administrative roles, his service in the Garde d’Honneur, and his familial relations. The portrait itself, with its emphasis on de Ruddere’s somber expression, conveys a sense of civic duty and seriousness. De Ruddere's attire, notably the high collar and formal jacket, mark him as a man of status and authority. Understanding this image requires a broader look into the political and social history of Belgium in the 19th century. Scholarly articles, archival documents, and institutional records of the Belgian government at this time can all shed light on this image’s function and the values it aimed to promote.