Portret van Rodolphe Töpffer c. 1843 - 1846

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print of Rodolphe Töpffer, the Swiss-Genevan teacher, artist, and writer, using lithography. Last’s print exemplifies the way the 19th-century portrait served as a marker of middle-class identity. Töpffer’s direct gaze and relaxed posture invite the viewer into his intellectual sphere. The book he holds symbolizes his profession, and the carefully tailored suit speaks to his status. Made in the Netherlands, this image circulates ideas around class and professions in a changing and increasingly connected society. Considered the father of the modern comic strip, Töpffer challenged the traditional art world of his time. He used his caricatures to critique social norms and political institutions. To fully understand the historical context, scholars consult period publications, personal letters, and institutional records. The portrait becomes a lens through which we examine the complex interplay between art, society, and individual expression.