Theatrical Drawing of an Actress (from Sketchbook) 1811 - 1893

John William Casilear made this theatrical drawing of an actress with graphite and gray wash on paper, likely in the mid-19th century in the United States. The figure's flamboyant costume suggests a playful engagement with theatricality. But, it is the setting of the stage that gives us a glimpse into the cultural role of theater and performance in the 19th century. The theater in Casilear’s time served as a crucial public space where social norms were both reinforced and contested. The figure is presented in a conventional pose, hinting at the prevailing societal expectations of women's roles. Yet, by placing her on a stage, Casilear acknowledges the performative nature of identity itself, subtly questioning the boundaries between private life and public persona. To fully appreciate this drawing, we might turn to theater archives, costume design records, and social histories of entertainment. These resources offer a richer understanding of how art and culture mutually shape and reflect the dynamics of their time.