Portret van maarschalk Bertrand Clauzel 1836

Jules-Joseph-Guillaume Bourdet created this portrait of Marshal Bertrand Clauzel as a print. It reflects the image that the French wished to project of their colonial administrators in Africa. Clauzel held the title of Governor-General of French possessions in Africa. The image, through visual cues, connects to the broader historical narrative of French colonialism in the 19th century. His elaborate uniform and stern expression are meant to inspire respect, a symbol of French military might, and to bolster the legitimacy of French rule. Yet, the French colonial project was fraught with violence and exploitation. Understanding this piece requires delving into the archives of the French colonial administration, military records, and accounts from the colonized populations to understand the imbalance of power. It reminds us that art doesn't exist in a vacuum. Social and institutional contexts shape its creation, reception, and, ultimately, its meaning.