25 portretten van Eugenie Fougère en Legat before 1899

Here we see a collection of portraits of Eugenie Fougère and Legat, captured in a photographic series. The repetition of poses and costumes speaks to the era's fascination with identity and representation, echoing the staged theatricality found in much earlier Renaissance portraiture. Consider, for instance, the recurring motif of the hat. Across cultures, head coverings have symbolized status, identity, and even protection. In these images, the hats worn by Fougère become a performative element, transforming her persona with each variation. This echoes how classical theatrical masks once transformed actors. The conscious shaping of public image through costume reminds us of the eternal human desire to project an idealized self. Just as Renaissance nobles used clothing to signify their power, these photographs show an early form of celebrity image-making. This interplay of identity and performance continues to resonate, subtly shaping our perceptions today.