Portret van Jules Favre, Frans staatsman en minister c. 1855 - 1875

This portrait of Jules Favre, the French statesman and minister, was created anonymously using photography, likely between 1870 and 1880. As a prominent figure in the French government during a tumultuous period, Favre navigated the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent establishment of the Third Republic. This image captures a man of power and influence, but it also subtly reveals the complexities of identity and representation in 19th-century France. Favre’s stern gaze and formal attire speak to the societal expectations placed on men in positions of authority, while also hinting at the personal struggles and compromises inherent in political life. This photograph not only presents an image of a statesman but also invites us to consider the broader social and political forces that shaped his identity and legacy.