Portret van keizerin Eugénie de Montijo 1853

Célestin Deshayes made this portrait of Empress Eugénie de Montijo in 1853 using lithography. The print captures the likeness of Eugénie, the last Empress consort of France, during a time of immense social and political transformation in Europe. Deshayes’ portrait presents Eugénie as a symbol of imperial power and femininity. The crown beside her and her ornate jewelry are markers of her status. At the same time, the soft rendering of her features and the floral embellishments soften her image, emphasizing beauty and grace, in alignment with traditional expectations of women in power. Her gaze, though composed, hints at the complexities of her position, navigating the expectations of both a royal figure and a woman in 19th-century society. Eugénie often used her position to advocate for women's issues and health initiatives. This portrait gives us a glimpse into the life of a woman who lived at the intersection of imperial duty and social change, reflecting her efforts to negotiate the space between tradition and progress.