Four Actresses in Theatrical Costume
1721
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1721
chalk
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This sketch shows four women standing side by side in fancy 18th-century dresses. Each holds a prop—a fan, a flower, or a piece of paper—and wears a big wig and layered skirts. The colors are mostly brown and beige, with some white lace details. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show the fabric folds and movement. The dresses look heavy and formal, like costumes for a play. Next, check out Baroque to see how this style’s drama and detail fit into bigger art trends.
