Portret van baron Paul de Bourgoing 1880 - 1900

This is an undated portrait of Baron Paul de Bourgoing, made by an anonymous artist. Consider how photography, especially portraiture, became a tool for asserting one's identity and status. The baron's formal attire and the very act of commissioning a portrait speak to his social standing. Yet, the anonymity of the artist opens up questions around the dynamics of labor, class, and visibility within the art world. Who was this artist, and what were the circumstances that led to their anonymity? In its creation and preservation, this portrait invites us to reflect on the stories that are told and those that are often left untold.