Portret van Élisabeth Rachel Félix 1841

Alexandre Vincent Sixdeniers made this print of Élisabeth Rachel Félix, an actress, using lithography. Considered one of France's greatest tragediennes, Rachel Félix was born into a poor, itinerant family and rose to fame on the Parisian stage. This portrait provides insight into the star system and celebrity culture of 19th-century France. Lithography enabled the mass production and distribution of images, allowing Rachel's likeness to reach a broad audience, solidifying her status as a cultural icon. The neoclassical column in the background alludes to the classical roles for which she was known, while her elegant dress and composed demeanor reflect the elevated status she achieved through her talent. The portrait subtly reinforces the aspirational narrative of upward mobility, a theme that resonated in a society undergoing significant social change. By consulting theater archives, newspapers, and biographies, we can deepen our understanding of Rachel's impact and how her image contributed to the construction of fame in the modern era.