Mr. Edward Eddy as Posthumous: "Kneel not to me" (Cymbelline, Act 5, Scene 5) 1855

This lithograph of Mr. Edward Eddy as Posthumous from Shakespeare's "Cymbeline" was created in New York by Martin & Johnson between 1840 and 1860. The composition is structured within an oval frame decorated with floral patterns and symbolic motifs. The central figure of Mr. Eddy is carefully posed, draped in classical garb, suggesting a staged theatricality. Observe how the monochromatic palette, rendered through lithography, emphasizes tonal contrasts, enhancing the dramatic lighting on the figure and the ornate details of the surrounding frame. The choice of framing and theatrical presentation invite us to consider the nature of representation itself. The image functions as a sign, a cultural artifact reflecting the 19th-century fascination with classical themes and theatrical portraiture. The semiotic elements at play—costume, setting, and pose—collectively construct an identity, both of the character and the actor embodying him. Consider how the print's formal qualities destabilize the boundary between stage and reality, image and identity. This tension encourages an ongoing dialogue around authenticity and performance.