Fotoreproductie van (vermoedelijk) een getekend portret van François Achille Bazaine, Frans maarschalk en generaal c. 1860 - 1880

This is a photographic reproduction of what is believed to be a drawn portrait of François Achille Bazaine, a French marshal and general. Though the artist is anonymous, the image offers a glimpse into the visual culture surrounding military figures in 19th-century France. Consider the proliferation of such images during this period. Photography, still a relatively new medium, played a crucial role in shaping public perception of prominent individuals. Bazaine, as a high-ranking military official, would have been a figure of considerable public interest, and images like this served to disseminate his image and reinforce his authority. However, the story of Bazaine is a complicated one. He was later court-martialed for treason. By examining the context of his career, through military archives, newspapers, and personal letters, we can better understand the complex relationship between image, power, and public opinion in 19th-century France.