Forslag til skuespillerfoyeren 1837

Jørgen Koch made this architectural drawing, a proposal for an actor's foyer, using pencil and wash. In this design from 19th-century Denmark, Koch imagines a space dedicated to theatrical performers, reflecting the increasing cultural importance of the stage. The drawing employs classical architectural motifs, such as symmetrical balance and formal geometry. The building's design alludes to the historical associations of theatre with civic life. Notice how the drawing emphasizes a clear separation of spaces. The layout suggests a hierarchy, with the stage and its entrance set apart from the more public areas. Denmark in the 1800s was experiencing a period of national romanticism and cultural development, and institutions like the theater were seen as essential to national identity. Architectural drawings like this tell us about the institutional history of the arts. To better understand its function within the cultural landscape, you might consult theater archives, architectural records, and period newspapers, which all provide insight into the social role of art.