Twee fotoreproducties van tekeningen, voorstellende portretten van een actrice in kostuum before 1890

These are two photographic reproductions of drawings, portraying an actress in costume, created by F.A. Dahlström. Though undated, they offer a glimpse into the world of late 19th-century theatre and its representation of women. These images raise questions about the role of women in performance and visual culture during this period. Actresses often navigated complex social expectations, embodying both artistry and commodified femininity. The detailed rendering of the costumes speaks to the importance of spectacle in the theatrical experience, but also to the ways in which identity was constructed through appearance. The actress, captured in these drawings, invites us to reflect on the gaze, performance, and the construction of female identity. What does it mean to be seen, to perform, and to embody a character for an audience? Perhaps these images serve as a mirror, reflecting the multifaceted nature of identity.