The manager discovers great histrionic ability 1916

Ralph Barton’s illustration, "The manager discovers great histrionic ability," probably made as a magazine illustration, uses graphic lines and flat planes of colour to create a jazzy scene. Look at the way Barton renders the figure’s clothing: the bulbous sleeves and striped trousers are stylized shapes which flatten the image. Even the colours – the blue background, the brown dress – everything is simplified into blocks. Notice how Barton adds a few details, like the white cuffs and hat, but keeps the forms abstract. The whole thing has the feeling of an elaborate paper cut-out. This approach reminds me of the work of Stuart Davis, who also flattened objects in his paintings, and who was Barton’s peer. Both artists embrace the idea of art as a construction, a series of decisions. There's a sense of playfulness here, too, as if Barton is suggesting that art, like theatre, is a form of enjoyable deception. What does it mean to perform for an audience? What does it mean to see? Barton leaves us with questions instead of answers.