Portret van Marie Louise van Bourbon 1838 - 1841

Amédée Félix Barthélemy Geille created this black chalk drawing of Marie Louise van Bourbon. We see Marie Louise depicted amidst a carefully constructed outdoor scene, which seems to have the purpose of emphasizing her dress. Observe how Geille organizes the composition to showcase Marie Louise's elaborate gown. The structure of the dress is a spectacle of visual codes that speak to the period's obsession with ornamentation and the display of wealth through fashion. The way the fabric drapes and folds isn't just about aesthetics; it's a semiotic game, signaling status and identity through material culture. The crown resting on the stone ledge is an emblem of power, rendered almost incidental. The drawing's formal qualities invite a dialogue about the interplay between representation and reality. The image is open for interpretation, and it can offer an insight into the cultural values that shaped its creation.