Portretstudie van een theatergezelschap in kostuum before 1898

This is a photographic print of a theatrical study, made by Lascelles & Co. The sepia tones and the carefully arranged poses evoke the world of the late 19th-century stage. We see the figures in costume, perhaps hinting at a specific production or simply showcasing the fashions and theatrical conventions of the era. The backdrop, painted with classical motifs, suggests an idealized setting, far removed from the everyday realities of the time. In deciphering this image, we might ask: what role did photography play in promoting theatrical productions? How did images like these circulate, and what kind of audience were they intended for? To explore these questions, one could delve into theatre archives, study fashion trends of the period, and research the history of photographic studios like Lascelles & Co. It's through this kind of interdisciplinary research that we can unlock the rich social and institutional context embedded within this theatrical study.