Een acteur als koning Hendrik VIII van Engeland 1780 - 1836

Johannes Jelgerhuis created this watercolor drawing titled, *An Actor as King Henry VIII of England.* Here, the actor is presented frontally, rendered with careful attention to costume and pose. Jelgerhuis’s subtle washes of color and delicate linework result in a captivating image. The composition uses a full shot, that balances the figure's presence with the surrounding negative space. The actor's gaze, directed slightly off to the side, adds a layer of complexity. The fur trim and feathered hat, along with the rich palette of reds and golds, create a sense of spectacle and grandeur. Consider the way the costume mimics the symbolic function of the theatrical garments in relation to the performance of identity. Jelgerhuis successfully captures a moment of performative display, inviting us to reflect on the relationship between representation and reality. This artwork remains a powerful commentary on the theater's capacity to both reflect and shape cultural perceptions.