Object of the Day: An Early Nineteenth Century Costume Sketch

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to view a collection of antique English costume drawings from the portfolio of a theatrical artist. Some were rendered in pastel. Others were carefully drawn in ink and watercolor. I purchased two of them.


This drawing is labeled “Masquerade, 1820. Roger as Louis XIV.” Neatly drawn in bright pastels, the artist has sketched a detailed, flamboyant French costume. Pastels, being pure pigment, often retain their integrity of color when properly protected. Since this drawing spent over a century in a portfolio, the pigment is uncompromised. The original collection contained several sketches of costumes from this event.

The artist is unknown. He or she was most likely a costumer by trade. However, like most clothing designers, this person showed a capable hand in drawing figures. This charming sketch is an interesting souvenir of an long-forgotten occasion. It makes me wonder what the finished suit of clothes looked like.