Portret van Vincentius a Paulo c. 1816 - 1826

Louis Marie Normand created this print of Vincent de Paul sometime between 1789 and 1874 using an unspecified technique. The print portrays Vincent de Paul, a figure canonized for his dedication to charitable works during the 17th century in France. Normand’s print speaks to the complex intersections of religion, politics, and social welfare in post-revolutionary France. Vincent de Paul became an emblem of compassion and religious devotion amidst the social upheavals of the time. The image presents de Paul as a ‘Great Man’, reinforcing traditional hierarchies, while France struggled with its identity following the revolution. Prints like these helped shape public perception of historical figures, creating a narrative of French identity rooted in religious virtue and charitable action. It invites us to reflect on how historical figures are memorialized and the values their representations seek to promote.