Portret van Casimir Pierre Périer

Antoine Maurin created this lithograph titled 'Portrait of Casimir Pierre Périer' in France during the 19th century. The portrait captures Périer, a prominent banker and statesman during a time of significant political upheaval. Lithography enabled the wider distribution of portraits, turning political figures into recognizable public figures. The stern expression and formal attire are visual codes that reinforce Périer's authority and status within French society. The image was made during the Bourbon Restoration and July Monarchy periods, a time of shifting power dynamics between the aristocracy and the rising bourgeoisie. To fully understand the significance of this portrait, we need to look at the economic policies and social reforms advocated by Périer. Art historians consider factors like the rise of the bourgeoisie and the institutional frameworks shaping artistic production. It's by examining these kinds of resources that the true cultural value of the artwork comes to light.