Medaillon met portret van Pierre-Simon Ballanche 1830

Achille Collas made this medallion portrait of Pierre-Simon Ballanche, though the exact date remains unknown. In 19th century France, portrait medallions were fashionable ways to commemorate prominent figures, often intellectuals and politicians. Collas’s work provides insight into the male intellectual circles of the time. Ballanche, a philosopher, is rendered with a profile that emphasizes his strong brow and serious demeanor, fitting the image of a thoughtful, learned man. What is less obvious is the social context that enabled these men to rise to prominence. This was a time of revolution and social upheaval, yet the art world, like much of society, remained dominated by men of a certain class. Consider how alternative narratives might emerge if women or people of color were given the same platform and recognition as Ballanche. How might their stories reshape our understanding of the 19th century? This medallion is not just a portrait, it’s a reminder of who gets remembered and why.