Ornament der Francis Flute als Thisbe mit Garnspule und Schere c. 1867 - 1868

Paul Konewka created this intricate sketch of "Ornament der Francis Flute als Thisbe mit Garnspule und Schere," offering us a peek into the cultural milieu of the 19th century. Konewka, living in a time of great social change, tapped into a rich vein of theatrical and literary history. This drawing, whose title translates to "Ornament of Francis Flute as Thisbe with Spool and Scissors," is a scene from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." In it, Konewka captures the character of Francis Flute, a male actor, in the cross-dressed role of Thisbe. This moment allows us to think about gender, performance, and identity. The presence of the spool and scissors adds layers to this exploration. They evoke domesticity and traditional feminine roles. It's as though Konewka invites us to consider the blurred lines between the stage and everyday life, and the complex interplay of gender roles. It is a thoughtful study of identity, filtered through the lens of theater.