Portret van Charles Perrault before 1842

Editor: Here we have a graphite drawing, *Portrait of Charles Perrault*, created before 1842 by an anonymous artist. It has such a formal, almost staged feel to it. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Well, beyond the formal elements, let’s consider the context. Charles Perrault, the subject, codified fairy tales in ways that have influenced societal structures for centuries. This portrait, then, becomes not just an image of a man, but a representation of power dynamics embedded within the stories he popularized. Editor: Power dynamics? Curator: Precisely. Think about the roles Perrault assigned to women in tales like *Cinderella* or *Sleeping Beauty*. What do they tell us about the expectations placed on women in that era, and how are those narratives perpetuated, even unconsciously, today? The artwork is interesting not only aesthetically, but also how it reflects back ideas about identity and prescribed roles. What does his pose and clothing tell us? Editor: That's a good question! The pose definitely implies authority, maybe even self-importance? The expensive clothing supports that, too. Do you think this representation was intentional? Curator: I do. Images of wealthy and powerful white men served a political purpose. These works acted as models for the public to follow, setting an expectation for what leadership looks like. That imagery, unfortunately, hasn’t changed much! Editor: That gives me a lot to think about! I will definitely look at his stories with new eyes! Curator: Absolutely. Engaging with the art of the past means understanding how it actively shapes our present.