Dubbelportret van een echtpaar, aangeduid als Maréchal Louis 1854 - 1885

This portrait of a couple, identified as the Maréchal Louis, was made by Charles Lemâle as part of a photographic album. The image, in its quiet way, speaks volumes about the social norms and aspirations of its time. In this double portrait, the couple presents a united front, literally arm in arm, embodying the era's emphasis on marriage and family as central to social stability. Her attire is modest, indicative of the period's expectations for women, while his suit and tie suggest a middle-class respectability. The formal pose and setting reflect a desire to project a certain image of themselves. Yet, within these constraints, we can still observe a trace of individuality. In this careful composition, Lemâle captures not just the likeness of a couple, but a reflection of societal values. It offers a glimpse into the lives and loves of a time not so different from our own.