Krantenknipsel uit archief Philip Zilcken 1867 - 1930

This anonymous newspaper clipping from 1899, preserved at the Rijksmuseum, reveals the social dynamics surrounding artistic portraiture in Europe at the turn of the century. The article recounts the story of Baroness Desrodes, a Jewish convert, and her quest to be painted by the sought-after artist Ethal. Made in France, the clipping is a fascinating piece of institutional history. It unveils how the elite class exerted their influence within the art world. The Baroness's wealth allowed her to commission portraits from famous artists but also to create a spectacle of her own persona. The artist Ethal is portrayed as a figure who had the power to accept or reject patrons based on their social standing. The article’s author, Jean Lorrain, critiques the vanity and snobbery of the Baroness. Resources such as period newspapers, letters, and social diaries would allow us to better understand the social and economic forces that shaped artistic production.