Portret van Jolly in La jolie parfumeuse before 1874

Here we see a photographic print of Jolly, likely made in Brussels around 1872 by Maison H. de Saedeler, as advertised on the adjacent page. It’s presented as part of a theater program, so its intent is to publicize and celebrate Jolly, a comedian. As a public image, this photograph is interesting because it shows how photography was being used to construct and promote identities within the theater world. Belgium, like many European countries at the time, was experiencing a rise in popular entertainment and mass media. Photography studios played a crucial role in creating and disseminating images of performers, contributing to the celebrity culture that was emerging. The ornate frame around the photograph and the advertisement of the photographic services on the adjacent page further highlight the institutional context in which this image was produced and consumed. Understanding its context requires delving into the history of Belgian theater and photographic studios like Maison H. de Saedeler. By exploring these resources, we can better grasp the cultural significance of images like these.