Reverse Copy of Madame Bouthillier (Marie de Bragelogne) 1810 - 1820

This is an engraving of Madame Bouthillier (Marie de Bragelogne), made by an anonymous artist. Let's consider what it meant for a woman to be publicly represented through art in this era. Madame Bouthillier, a woman of nobility, is portrayed with a certain gravitas, yet her identity is mediated through the male-dominated art world. The very act of creating a “reverse copy” suggests a layering of interpretations and perhaps a distancing from the original subject. The act of reproducing her image raises questions about authenticity, representation, and the power dynamics inherent in portraiture. What does it mean to copy a copy, and how does this process affect our understanding of Madame Bouthillier herself? The emotional resonance here lies in the echoes of a life lived, filtered through the hands and perspectives of others. Perhaps in viewing this work we can consider the many ways women's identities have been mediated through art, and how these representations both reflect and shape our understanding of history.