Personnages 

Jean Béraud painted ‘Personnages’ which depicts an intimate musical performance in what appears to be a private salon. Béraud’s artistic career coincided with a period of significant social and political change in France. His paintings often captured the nuances of Parisian life during the Belle Époque, a time characterized by optimism, peace, and cultural innovation, which followed the Franco-Prussian War. The painting invites us to consider the role of women in the upper echelons of late 19th-century French society. As women were often confined to the domestic sphere, their identities were closely tied to their social roles and appearances. The painting shows an awareness of the aesthetic and cultural values of the time, particularly in the realm of classical music. Yet, at the same time, we can ask whether the passive posture and elegant attire of these women are representative or restrictive. Ultimately, ‘Personnages’ serves as both a mirror reflecting the values of its time, and an invitation to look more closely at the lives and identities of the people depicted.