Portret van Benoit Taurel 1819 - 1885

Edouard Taurel created this portrait of Benoit Taurel using graphite, likely in the mid-19th century. The portrait provides insight into the sitter's social standing, as it reflects the values and aesthetics of the bourgeoisie during this era. Benoit's clothing, consisting of a well-tailored coat, waistcoat, and neatly arranged cravat, speaks to the sartorial codes of the time, reflecting the importance of appearance and status within middle-class society. His spectacles also suggest intellectualism and social class, as literacy and education were becoming more accessible to the middle classes. While the work is a formal portrait, there is an emotional depth in Benoit's expression. There is a sense of self-awareness in his gaze. This invites viewers to consider the individual behind the social role. This portrait is a window into the visual culture of the 19th century, and it subtly challenges traditional representations of identity by inviting us to consider the personal dimension of a man situated within a specific historical and social context.