‘Fake or Fortune’ and ‘Flog It’- are you a fan of these shows, and want to know a painting’s value? There was a similar challenge nearly 200 years ago.
This talk shows how in the 19th century portraits of former leaders had great value, particularly in France, providing they genuinely showed their hero. The French Revolution, 1789 – 1799, at first inspired the French with its ideals: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, but later terrified them with executions.
Several Revolutionary leaders were admired. Maximillian Robespierre was one. Elected in 1792, he was selected for the government in 1793. He held progressive views, such as advocating votes for all men, and ending the slave trade. Although popular with the crowds, Robespierre was arrested and executed without trial in 1794.
By the 1820 admiration for Robespierre and his ideas grew. Demand for his portraits increased too, but few had been engraved. Before photography how could anyone be sure these portrait did show Robespierre?
In the 18th century a method of ‘scientific portraiture’, using the physionotrace device, was developed. This traced images from a profile. Robespierre had a distinctive, small, perky nose – ideal for this method. In France a ‘collector market’ developed in Revolutionary memorabilia; and the discerning buyer, convinced by the way the physionotrace device authenticated Robespierre’s likeness by his nose, frequently believed this method could identify genuine pictures of leaders.
Political leaders and images are linked. Join us to discuss why this happens, and does this matter?
Dr. Marianne Gilchrist works at Hull University Library and the Hull Incorporated Law Society. She has researched and spoken on various historical topics, including giving this talk in Arras, Robespierre’s home town.