Portret van Henri Ernie als baby 1880 - 1900

Marius Rouffiac created this carte-de-visite of Henri Ernie as a baby with photography, a relatively new technology at the time. The image, small enough to fit in a pocket, speaks volumes about representation and identity. Photography in the 19th century was often a display of status and a way to preserve images of loved ones. This formal portrait of a baby, seated stiffly and dressed in a frilly garment, is a window into the rigid gender roles of the era. While the child's expression is unreadable, the setting—an ornate chair and carefully chosen outfit—suggests a desire to project an image of bourgeois respectability. The choice to photograph Henri as a baby, is interesting as it reflects a cultural trend to capture every stage of life, marking identity from the earliest age. This intimate yet formal portrait captures a moment in time, reflective of the Victorian obsession with memory and the performance of identity. It reflects the societal gaze upon children and the expectations placed on them from the start.