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Hogarth Actresses Barn
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Hogarth Actresses Barn
Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn Using a loophole in the law that defied actors to act outside London without a licence
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 604745
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10050943
1738 Actresses Aurora Barn Cupid Defied Diana Dressing Eagle Flora Hogarth Juno L Aw Licence Strolling Loophole
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Hogarth Actresses Barn - A Historical Tableau of Defiance and Artistry This evocative print by renowned English artist William Hogarth, entitled "Actresses Dressing in a Barn," transports us back to the early 18th century, a time when the theatrical world was subject to strict laws and regulations. In 1737, an Act was passed in England, forbidding actors to perform outside London without a license. This law, however, did not extend to the private rehearsals and preparations that took place off-stage. In this scene, we witness a group of actresses, huddled together in a barn, taking advantage of this legal loophole. The barn, adorned with lush greenery and an array of flowers, serves as their makeshift dressing room. The actresses, dressed in various stages of costume, engage in animated conversation, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement, concentration, and mischief. The presence of Cupid, the god of love, and his mother, Venus, or Juno, the goddess of marriage, adds an element of mythology and symbolism to the scene. Aurora, the goddess of the dawn, peeks in from the doorway, symbolizing the transient nature of the theatrical world and the fleeting moments of performance. An eagle, perched atop the barn, keeps a watchful eye over the scene, a reminder of the ever-present authorities that sought to regulate their activities. The intricate details of the print, from the textured fabric of the costumes to the individual expressions of the actresses, showcase Hogarth's mastery of the art of storytelling through visual means. This print, created in 1738, not only offers a glimpse into the world of strolling actors and their ingenious ways of circumventing the law but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of artistry and the human desire to create and perform, no matter the obstacles.
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