Drie onbekende portretten 1831 - 1890

Jean Baptiste Pierre Michiels created this print of three unknown portraits, using etching, around the mid-19th century. In an era defined by strict social roles, Michiels offers us a glimpse into the lives of individuals navigating the complexities of identity. The subjects, two men and a woman, remain anonymous, inviting us to consider the representation of gender, class, and perhaps even ethnicity within the confines of 19th-century European society. The woman's modest attire and hairstyle contrast with the men's more elaborate presentation, hinting at the different expectations placed upon them. Does this work subtly challenge the rigid norms of the time, or does it reinforce them? As we stand before these portraits, we are prompted to reflect on the untold stories of these individuals and the broader historical narratives they represent. Their anonymity becomes a canvas for our own projections, allowing us to engage in a dialogue about the past and its relevance to our present.