Portret van Victor-Charles Mahillon 1896

Auguste Danse made this portrait of Victor-Charles Mahillon using etching in 1895. Mahillon was a well-known Belgian musician and curator of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels’ musical instrument museum. As a portrait, this artwork participates in the social ritual of commemorating important people. Note the way Danse uses fine lines to capture Mahillon's likeness and the way he is dressed. The details of his clothing and facial expression convey his status and character. Etchings like this one were popular in Europe in the late 19th century and are part of the institutional history of museums and conservatories. This image preserves the memory of an important figure in Belgian musical history, while at the same time reinforcing his cultural authority. Understanding this artwork means looking into archives and libraries to research the histories of musical institutions and portraiture, as well as considering the social role of artists like Danse in shaping cultural memory.