George Almar as Carnaby Cutpurse in 'The Cedar Chest' 1834

Robert William Buss painted this oil on canvas of George Almar as Carnaby Cutpurse, likely in the 1820-40s. It’s a portrayal of a performer in character, embedded within a theatrical setting. The image creates meaning through several visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The costume evokes an earlier historical period with its bright colors, feathered hat, and sword. This was a time when popular theatre was thriving in London, particularly in working-class neighborhoods. Actors and theatrical entrepreneurs often had humble origins. The Cedar Chest was among the melodramas that spoke to working class audiences. Analyzing an artwork like this means delving into the archives, examining playbills, theatre records, and popular literature. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.