Four Actresses in Theatrical Costume c. 1721

Claude Gillot made this drawing of four actresses in theatrical costume with pen and brown ink, and brown wash on laid paper. The monochromatic tonality suggests a quickness of execution; Gillot was capturing a fleeting moment, perhaps backstage at the theater. Look closely and you'll notice the variations in the wash, creating depth and shadow. This technique adds volume to the costumes, allowing you to sense the weight and texture of the fabrics. The dresses are meticulously detailed, with lace, ribbons, and elaborate hairstyles, reflecting the fashion of the time, and a high level of craft production. Costume design and making involved specialized knowledge and labor, with skilled artisans crafting elaborate garments for the stage. This drawing offers a glimpse into the collaborative nature of theater production, where the artistry of the playwright, actors, and costume designers converge to create a total work of art. By focusing on the material culture of the theater, Gillot's drawing invites us to consider the social and economic forces that shaped artistic expression in early 18th-century France.