Juggler and Gent, costume sketch for Henry Irving’s Planned Production of King Richard II 

Edwin Austin Abbey made this costume sketch, "Juggler and Gent", for Henry Irving’s planned production of King Richard II. It's rendered in pencil and watercolor washes on paper, materials that allow for spontaneity and revision, perfectly suited to the iterative process of costume design. Notice how Abbey used the fluidity of watercolor to suggest the drape and texture of the fabrics. The bright red and black chevrons on the central figure, for instance, not only catch the eye but also imply the material's weight and movement. The sketch provides a glimpse into the world of theatrical production, where historical research meets artistic interpretation. In Abbey's time, the production of costumes for elaborate stage productions was a significant undertaking, employing skilled artisans and laborers. The level of detail and craftsmanship in these costumes reflected the social status of the characters they represented. Abbey’s sketch thus becomes not just a design, but a document of social hierarchy and the labor involved in its representation.