Portret van René-Nicolas Dufriche Desgenettes 1825 - 1842

This is Nicolas Maurin's lithographic portrait of René-Nicolas Dufriche Desgenettes. It was created in the early 19th century, a period marked by significant social and political change in France following the revolution. Desgenettes, a prominent military physician, embodies the shifting class structures of the era. His rise through the ranks of the medical field reflects a society where merit and service could elevate individuals. We see this status displayed through the trappings of his uniform, including its detailed collar and the medals pinned to his chest. Maurin captures more than just the subject’s likeness; he conveys a sense of the man's character and place in society. Desgenettes appears stolid and resolute, his gaze direct and unflinching, projecting an aura of authority and experience. Consider the implications of portraying individuals who gained prominence through their skills and dedication rather than solely through aristocratic birth. This portrait offers a window into a world where identities were being renegotiated amidst upheaval and transformation.