Portrait of miss Bonnard 

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres rendered "Portrait of Miss Bonnard" in pencil. Ingres, working in the 19th century, was a master of Neoclassical portraiture, capturing the likenesses of the Parisian elite. But what does it mean to capture a likeness? Ingres’ portraits are a negotiation between the sitter's identity and his own artistic interpretation, reflecting the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. Miss Bonnard, adorned in the fashion of the time, presents herself to us, but through Ingres' eyes. We might wonder about the unspoken narratives, the subtle clues to her social standing, and the artistic license taken in shaping her image. Ingres adheres to traditional representation, yet invites us to consider the complexities of visibility, representation, and the gaze. How does Ingres' work reflect the values and expectations placed upon women?