Portret van een onbekende jonge man 1883

Léon Brunin created this portrait of an unknown young man using etching in 1883. Brunin was a Belgian artist, active at a time when portraiture was a common way to document and celebrate individuals, particularly those of a certain social standing. The portrait is of an unknown young man, which invites contemplation on the identities and histories of those often overlooked. The sitter's gaze is direct, engaging us. Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. Who gets remembered? How do we construct notions of identity and worth? Brunin’s work encourages us to reflect on the complexities of representation and the untold stories that reside beneath the surface.