Portret van Emilie Broisat in de rol van Hélène in Mademoiselle de la Seiglière before 1880

Curator: This is an albumen print from before 1880, now residing here at the Rijksmuseum, entitled “Portret van Emilie Broisat in de rol van Hélène in Mademoiselle de la Seiglière.” It presents the sitter in costume, referencing her theatrical role. Editor: The initial impact is undeniably constrained. The gray scale, the stiff pose...it feels incredibly posed and constructed. It lacks any semblance of spontaneity. Curator: Consider the formal elements: The deliberate arrangement of the figure against the draped curtain, establishing depth and guiding the viewer's gaze. Her posture is upright, regal, enhanced by the theatrical costume. Editor: Right, but how does her agency play into this carefully constructed image? We need to consider how social expectations of women at this time affected her choices in representation. Her costuming and pose, while seemingly highlighting status, were dictated by a patriarchal system. Where is her story in this presentation of wealthy leisure? Curator: Let's not ignore the quality of the photographic print itself, the tonality, the crispness of the details within the albumen process… We must acknowledge its status as both historical record and artistic creation. Editor: True, it captures a certain moment. Yet, let's also look at who was able to commission and consume portraits like these. Who are these "Mademoiselles"? The print reveals disparities of access and representation. How can we expand these narratives of power to become more inclusive? Curator: I think that focusing on those nuances enhances how one might connect with it as an art object with texture, composition and beauty. Editor: For me, it highlights the pressing questions we continue to confront. Even through aesthetic charm and mastery of light and form, the image remains bound to its time, urging us to consider and act.