Tolv figurrids. Teaterkostumer? 1746 - 1828

This pencil drawing titled ‘Tolv figurrids. Teaterkostumer?’ was created by C.A. Lorentzen. The artist lived and worked in the late 18th century, a period defined by revolution and profound shifts in social structures. Here, we see twelve faint sketches of figures, presumably studies for theatrical costumes. The clothing depicted reflects the fashion of the time, marked by rigid class distinctions and gender roles. We can sense the cultural expectations of the period, where appearance was dictated by one’s position in society. But theater, then as now, held the potential to disrupt and reimagine those norms. What roles might these figures have played? Were they reinforcing stereotypes, or challenging them? Consider the emotional lives of the performers tasked with embodying these characters, navigating the tensions between the stage and their own identities. This work leaves us to consider the dynamic interplay between identity, performance, and societal expectations.