Portret van een onbekend jongen, voorheen bekend als Rafaël op vijftienjarige leeftijd 1843

François Forster created this portrait of an unknown boy, formerly thought to be a young Raphael, in the 19th century. The sitter’s androgynous features invite a consideration of how gender and identity were perceived and portrayed during this era. With his delicate features, soft skin, and contemplative gaze, the boy embodies a certain ideal of youthful beauty and innocence that was often associated with both male and female subjects in art. The portrait challenges traditional notions of masculinity, presenting a more nuanced and ambiguous representation of gender identity. Forster’s choice to depict his sitter in this manner reflects the evolving social attitudes and artistic trends of the time, as artists began to explore more fluid and unconventional representations of identity. Consider how this ambiguity invites us to question our own assumptions. How do we project our expectations onto the subject and how does that affect our understanding?