Portret van twee gearmde mannen in Chantilly Possibly 1900 - 1912

This albumen print, by Delizy, captures two men, arm in arm, in Chantilly. The photograph raises interesting questions about social conventions and identity in late 19th-century France. The attire of the men – light-colored coats and caps – suggests a certain leisure class, comfortable enough to engage in outdoor pursuits. Yet, it's the intimate gesture of linking arms that stands out. In a time when displays of affection between men were often coded and carefully managed due to emerging social norms around masculinity and sexuality, this image prompts speculation. Was this a simple expression of friendship, or did it challenge the prevailing norms? To understand this photograph, we need to delve into the social history of the period. Researching fashion trends, gender roles, and attitudes toward male friendships can offer valuable insights. Art history is always a social history, and the image’s meaning is contingent on the context in which it was made and viewed.