Portret van Alfred Cadart 1860 - 1872

This is Théodule Ribot's "Portret van Alfred Cadart," an etching now held in the Rijksmuseum. Ribot, a 19th-century French artist, lived through times of significant social upheaval, including the rise of Realism in art which sought to depict life as it truly was, without idealization. Here, he captures Alfred Cadart, a publisher and advocate for etching as a fine art form. Look closely at the fine lines and the way light and shadow play across Cadart’s face and clothing. Ribot eschews traditional notions of portraiture, presenting Cadart with an almost stark realism. The etching mirrors the social and artistic shifts of its time, challenging academic conventions. Through his involvement with movements like the Société des Aquafortistes, Cadart sought to democratize art. This portrait is not just a depiction of a man but also a reflection of the changing landscape of art and society, capturing the emotional and intellectual climate of 19th-century France.