Mme. Sophie Benazet, 1878 1878

In 1878, François-Joseph-Hubert Ponscarme crafted this bronze plaquette, featuring Mme. Sophie Benazet. During the late 19th century, France experienced rapid industrialization and social change, but despite this progress, women, especially in the upper classes, were often confined to prescribed roles, their identities closely tied to their husbands and families. This portrait of Mme. Benazet invites us to consider the nuances of female representation during this era. Is she merely presented as a wife, or does the artist attempt to capture her individual character? Her covered hair could reflect modesty and decorum, yet her strong profile suggests intelligence and resolve. Ponscarme's choice to portray her in profile echoes classical portraiture, but it also prompts us to think about the complexities of female identity in a time of shifting social expectations. What do you see in her expression? How does this image of Mme. Benazet challenge or uphold the conventions of her time?