Adrienne Lecouvreur (as Cornelia) c. 18th century

Editor: This is Pierre Drevet’s engraving, "Adrienne Lecouvreur (as Cornelia)." She looks so mournful, clutching what appears to be an urn. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a powerful statement on the limitations placed upon women, particularly actresses, in the 18th century. Lecouvreur was famously denied a Christian burial because of her profession. This print memorializes her as Cornelia, a Roman woman celebrated for her virtue, yet Lecouvreur herself was denied that recognition in life. Editor: So, the artist is making a commentary on societal hypocrisy? Curator: Precisely. Drevet uses the visual language of classical virtue to critique the rigid social structures that condemned Lecouvreur. How does this reframing impact your reading of the artwork? Editor: It definitely adds a layer of complexity, making me consider the power dynamics at play. Curator: Exactly! And how art can challenge them.