Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by Susan Ayers. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This untitled work is a painted representation of a costume design created by Susan Ayers. The image illustrates the attire intended for the character Delio in a planned staging of John Webster’s early‑17th‑century tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi.
Subject & Meaning
The design focuses on Delio, a confidant and friend to the Duchess, portraying him in garments that suggest both courtly elegance and the play’s darker, conspiratorial atmosphere. The visual choices hint at the character’s role as a mediator between the aristocratic world and the unfolding intrigue.
Technique & Style
Executed in paint, the design employs a clear, illustrative approach typical of theatrical sketches, with attention to fabric texture, color blocks, and silhouette. The medium allows for a precise rendering of details such as trim, drapery, and accessories, facilitating a practical reference for costume construction.
History & Provenance
The piece originates from a production proposal that never materialized, serving as a preparatory study rather than a finished stage costume. It remains within the archives of Susan Ayers’ design portfolio, documenting her involvement in early 21st‑century theatre projects.
Context
John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi, a staple of Jacobean drama, has inspired numerous reinterpretations. Ayers’ design reflects contemporary sensibilities while respecting the play’s historical setting, bridging period authenticity with modern theatrical aesthetics.
Artist & collection
Artist
Susan Ayers kept a studio over a laundromat in Chicago, where she’d paint after midnight when the machines hummed loudest.
