Portret van Pierre-Marie Beyle before 1878

This is a portrait of Pierre-Marie Beyle, also known as Stendhal, an influential French writer of the 19th century. This anonymous work from before 1878 is an example of a framed photograph, which was a common way to display portraits during the era. The artwork is presented within a decorative frame, possibly meant to evoke a Japanese or Eastern aesthetic. The overall design of the work, with the frame incorporating a figure holding a fan and other decorative elements, suggests a playful and perhaps humorous approach to portraiture. The small scale of the artwork, measuring 155 mm in height and 235 mm in width, also highlights the personal and intimate nature of the portrait.