Portret van Josephine 1829 - 1898

Auguste Thomas Marie Blanchard created this print of Josephine using etching and engraving techniques. We are presented with an image of serene beauty, but what power dynamics were at play here? How did social norms around gender influence its creation and interpretation? This image evokes a classical ideal. Looking at the composition, Josephine appears to be reclining in a pastoral landscape, reminiscent of ancient Greek or Roman depictions of goddesses and nymphs. This artistic choice links Josephine to enduring concepts of feminine beauty, but it also invites us to consider the politics of imagery. What does it mean to portray a woman in this way, and what role does this image play in shaping social expectations? To understand this artwork better, we could research the historical context in which Blanchard was working, including the artistic conventions of the time and the social status of women. Only then can we fully appreciate the complex interplay between art, society, and power.