Portret van Madeleine Brohan in de rol van Hermia in Les Caprices de Marianne before 1880

This is an undated photograph of Madeleine Brohan, an actress, in costume as Hermia from Alfred de Musset’s play "Les Caprices de Marianne." Brohan, a celebrated French actress, captures the essence of Hermia, a character entangled in love and societal expectations. Consider the cultural status of actresses during Brohan's time; they navigated a complex world of celebrity, artistry, and the male gaze. This image not only immortalizes her performance, but invites us to reflect on the representation of women in theatre and photography. Brohan's Hermia offers a glimpse into the performance of identity on stage, and perhaps even off stage. Here, the photograph does not simply document a theatrical role, but frames a woman’s engagement with identity, performance, and the societal roles available to her.