Portret van Louis-Eugène Cavaignac 1842 - 1887

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print of Louis-Eugène Cavaignac. While undated, its subject places it squarely within the visual culture of 19th-century France. Cavaignac was a French general who played a crucial role in suppressing the June Days Uprising of 1848, a revolt by Parisian workers against the government. This print, with its meticulous detail and formal composition, is a product of its time, reflecting the rise of the bourgeoisie and the valorization of military figures. The image creates meaning through its visual codes. Cavaignac is depicted in his military uniform, complete with medals, signifying his authority and status. The print suggests the values of order and stability that Cavaignac represented to the conservative elements of French society, and its existence raises critical questions about the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shape artistic production. To fully understand this print, it is vital to delve into the history of the period, consulting archives, newspapers, and other primary sources. Art, after all, is never created in a vacuum.