Vier portretten van acteur M. Lüzenkirchen in verschillende rollen 1890 - 1930

This is an undated print of the actor M. Lüzenkirchen in different roles, made by an anonymous artist. The format of the print reminds us of the collecting cards that became popular in the late 19th century, often distributed with consumer goods. This image speaks to the growing celebrity culture of the period. The four portraits show Lüzenkirchen in costume for different plays. The poses are dramatic and theatrical, indicating how acting was understood as a highly performative art. We see him in roles such as Hamlet, referencing the canon of Western drama that was central to European cultural identity. This was a time of rising nationalism, and theater played a key role in shaping national narratives and values. To understand the image better, one could research the specific plays depicted and the cultural institutions that promoted them. This kind of ephemera provides a window into understanding the social life of the theater.