Portret van de acteur Sophus Petersen als Nils Krogstad in Een poppenhuis before 1880

J.A. Schulz made this photograph of the actor Sophus Petersen in character as Nils Krogstad, most likely near the time that Ibsen's play, "A Doll's House," was first performed in 1879. The play challenged prevailing views about the roles of women and marriage in society. Krogstad is a complicated figure. He's a man facing social stigma and financial hardship. He resorts to blackmail to survive, but has a desire for redemption. Petersen's portrayal embodies the tensions within Krogstad, echoing the play's critique of societal expectations. Portraits like this were part of a broader cultural landscape in which theater and literature sparked discussions about social issues. Looking at this image, I consider how actors of the time embodied these characters, and how their performances may have resonated with audiences grappling with changing norms. This image is a reminder of the emotional and social impact theater can have, and the way art can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.