Man with a Walking Stick, Seen in Profile c. 1754 - 1765

Hubert Robert made this drawing, "Man with a Walking Stick, Seen in Profile," sometime in the 18th century. During this period, France was a society of rigid class structures, with fashion and posture acting as powerful indicators of one’s social standing. Robert's sketch depicts a man of leisure, evidenced by his elaborate coat and hat. Note the walking stick, more a symbol of status than a necessity. What does it mean to perform identity? How does one show their position in society? The man's outstretched arm and confident stance suggest a figure of authority, perhaps gesturing in command or engaging in a lively discussion. But there is a sense of detachment in the sketch. The man is alone, and his identity is presented through symbols of wealth. Robert encourages us to consider the complexities of identity in a world shaped by inequality.