Interieur met William Parsons en John Moody als Varland en Majoor O'Flaherty 1776

This print, by William Dickinson, portrays actors William Parsons and John Moody in character for Richard Cumberland's 1771 play, *The West Indian*. Considered a sentimental comedy, the play champions benevolence while simultaneously reaffirming class and racial hierarchies. Parsons, in a powdered wig, embodies the nouveau riche character Varland, while Moody is Major O'Flaherty. The figures are positioned within a domestic interior, complete with a fireplace and ornate screen. Their costumes and props are visual cues, signifying class and nationality. The print’s creation reflects the growth of celebrity culture around actors in 18th-century England, and the theatre’s role as a public forum for debating contemporary issues. Dickinson's print is an interesting source for social historians, as it helps us to understand the public perception of class, nationality, and morality in 18th-century England. By researching playbills, audience reviews, and biographical details of the actors, we can more fully interpret its cultural significance.