Portret van Charles Leconte de Lisle 1867 - 1875

Lege & Bergeron made this photograph of Charles Leconte de Lisle, but the date is currently unknown. It's a small image, but it speaks volumes about the sitter's place in French society. The photograph reflects the rise of the bourgeoisie in 19th-century France, as photography offered new opportunities for self-representation and documentation. It shows how cultural figures like Leconte de Lisle used photography to cultivate a public image. He was a well-known poet and critic, associated with the Parnassian movement, which emphasized objectivity and formal perfection in poetry. What is striking about this image is the way Leconte de Lisle presents himself. He's turned in profile, with a serious expression and wearing a long, dark coat. This is a man who took himself seriously and who wanted to be taken seriously by others. Understanding the image requires a bit of historical digging. We need to know more about the photographers Lege and Bergeron. Further research into photographic archives and period publications might reveal more about the work's original context and meaning. Only then can we fully appreciate its role in shaping cultural identity.