Portret van koning Lodewijk I van Portugal before 1862

This portrait of King Luís I of Portugal is a photograph affixed to the opening pages of a book. Here, the relatively new medium of photography is being used to create and disseminate images of the monarchy. The portrait presents Luís in military dress with sash and decorations. The photograph creates an idealised image of the King, presenting him as a figure of power and authority, the ideal characteristics of 19th century European leaders. It's interesting to consider how photography was being used to shape public perceptions of political figures. In an era of increasing literacy and print culture, the mass reproduction of images played a vital role in constructing national identity and reinforcing social hierarchies. To better understand the artwork, we would need to know the book it appears in, and its context. Further research into Portuguese history, royal portraiture, and the history of photography will give us more context.