Portret van Théodule Augustin Ribot, Frans schilder before 1891

This photographic portrait of Théodule Augustin Ribot, a French painter, was made by Ferdinand Mulnier in France. Mulnier's image can be seen as a social document, a cultural artifact that captures the visual codes of artistic identity in late 19th-century France. Ribot is shown in a dark jacket and beret, a style of dress that associates him with artistic movements such as Realism and Impressionism which were expanding into the established French Salon system. Ribot’s impressive mustache and monocle also speak to the artist's self-presentation, a public role cultivated and reinforced through such portraits. The Rijksmuseum's acquisition and display of this photograph situates it within a network of institutions that play a vital role in shaping our understanding of art history. To fully understand this artwork, we need to consider the social and economic conditions that shaped its creation and reception. Investigating archival sources, exhibition reviews, and artists' biographies can provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between art, identity, and social context.