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.

Object of the Day: An Antique Pastel Landscape

Several years ago, I purchased a group of small unframed drawings from the collection of an unknown artist. Many in the group are dated from the 1850’s-1890’s. They are all drawn by the same hand, but unsigned. This small landscape is one of my favorites.


It demonstrates the sort of brooding landscape which rose to prominence in late Nineteenth Century English paintings. Rendered in pastel, moody trees are silhouetted by an amber sky. In the distance, a placid pond reflects the horizon. Even after over a century, this work is crisp and free of smudges. I only wish I knew the name of the person who created this little masterpiece. However, there’s comfort in knowing that though he or she is nameless, a clear voice remains through these lovely works.