Nick Bottom als Pyramus mit Hut und Schwert, stehend, nach links c. 1867 - 1868

Paul Konewka rendered this sketch, now residing in the Städel Museum, depicting Nick Bottom in his role as Pyramus. Note the sword, a symbol of valor and tragedy, which harks back to classical depictions of heroes and warriors. Consider the way the character holds it, almost as if in surrender, with an open palm, an echo of ancient Roman gestures of supplication. This is a powerful expression of love and despair. The feather in his cap, a flourish of vanity and pride, may remind us of similar adornments found in Renaissance portraiture, where feathers signified status and refinement. Yet, in Bottom’s case, it’s almost comical, pointing to the character's exaggerated emotions. These symbols transcend the stage, tapping into a collective memory of human experiences, love, loss, and the eternal pursuit of meaning.