Sketch of a man – costume study for La Tosca II 

Edwin Austin Abbey made this watercolor sketch of a costume design for the second act of the opera "La Tosca." Abbey was an American artist working in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when historical accuracy and realism were highly valued in costume and set design. The opera "La Tosca" is set in Rome in 1800, and Abbey's design reflects the fashion of that period. Note the details such as the long coat with a zebra pattern and the top hat, which would have been worn by wealthy men of the time. The sketch may have also been influenced by the broader cultural and social trends of the late 19th century, such as the rise of nationalism and the interest in historical pageantry. Artists like Abbey were tasked with creating visually stunning and accurate representations of the past for a public eager to consume historical narratives. Delving into sources such as costume history books and fashion plates from the period will enhance understanding of Abbey's artistic choices and the social context in which they were made.