Drie portretten van actrices, onder wie Nelly Cormon 1900 - 1930

Curator: This is an intriguing photographic work attributed to Ch. Reutlinger, entitled "Three Portraits of Actresses, Including Nelly Cormon." It's estimated to be from around 1900 to 1930. Editor: They have such an opulent feel; I immediately fixate on the hats – extravagant plumage, ribbons, a certain lightness despite their size. I’m curious about the physical presence of these accessories. Curator: Right. The portraits showcase actresses in the theatre world of the early 20th century. Note the influence of ukiyo-e prints in their composition and the soft focus typical of the impressionistic style. Photography was a growing industry then. Studios offered opportunities to aspiring performers. Editor: These aren’t mere images; it’s the costuming that dominates. One must consider the fabrication, sourcing and artistry involved. Feathers for instance are an index of desire as much as an index of material wealth. How the dresses complement—or undermine—the accoutrements intrigues me, too. Curator: It also reflects the period's societal norms and theatrical conventions. The use of photography helped to democratize images, enabling wider distribution, thereby contributing to these actresses' recognition. These women became commodities whose images were circulated to drive up ticket sales. Editor: Quite. And were these costumes crafted bespoke for these actresses? Who were the labourers assembling these things? Or are they studio-owned and repurposed for each sitting? Curator: That’s certainly a line of inquiry one could pursue. Understanding the labour behind those clothes and their dissemination enhances our understanding of that moment. In those images, the medium’s inherent qualities – how light and dark is processed – became associated with wealth and celebrity. Editor: I will be forever transfixed on these materials. Their tangible essence connects us to past and raises necessary considerations concerning our values, trends and consumption. Curator: Indeed, it reminds us that art doesn’t just reflect, but participates in shaping our world.