Side Box at the Opera 1785

Curator: This drawing is titled "Side Box at the Opera," crafted by Thomas Rowlandson. The dimensions are intimate, only about 10 by 15 centimeters. I am struck by the immediacy of the scene. Editor: There's a distinct sense of social performance, isn’t there? A display of wealth and status, but perhaps also of vulnerability. Look at how Rowlandson renders each face differently. Curator: Exactly! Rowlandson’s swift ink lines show an almost industrial observation of social rituals. The etching process allowed for reproduction and wider distribution, influencing public perception. Editor: The very act of attending the opera was a political statement. Note the conspicuous consumption, the coded language of fashion, and the power dynamics reflected in their poses. Curator: Ultimately, it's Rowlandson's ability to highlight production, class, and consumption within the opera that really intrigues me. Editor: For me, it's a stark reminder of the enduring complexities of social hierarchy and its representation in art.