Two Actors Peeking through a Theater Curtain while Others Prepare the Footlights

Johann Esaias Nilson

Associated Names
Johann Esaias Nilson

Artist, German, 1721 - 1788

This is a drawing of a theatrical scene. The image shows a stage setting with curtains, architectural columns on either side, and figures engaging in the mid-century European theatrical scene. Two heads peek through a gap in the curtains at the center. On the left, one figure appears to be gesturing or reacting beside another figure who leans toward the floor, while on the right, another figure holds a candle, illuminating the space around them. Italian text is present below the scene. The artistic style is characteristic of engravings or drawings from the 18th century, featuring detailed line work and a formal composition.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and gray ink with gray wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall: 25.9 x 36.9 cm (10 3/16 x 14 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2004.157.1


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection, France. (Galerie Sabrina Förster, Düsseldorf); NGA purchase in 2004.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2008

  • Medieval to Modern: Recent Acquisitions of Drawings, Prints, and Illustrated Books, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2008, no. 68.

2010

  • German Master Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, 1580-1900, NGA, 2010-2011.

2022

  • Dare to Know: Prints and Drawings in the Age of Enlightenment, Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, MA, 2022-2023, no repro.

Bibliography

2004

  • Galerie Sabrina Förster. Meisterzeichnungen 17.-19. Jahrhundert. Düsseldorf, 2004: no. 8.

2022

  • Kopp, Édouard, Rudy, Elizabeth, and Smentek, Kristel, editors.Dare to Know: Prints and Drawings in the Age of Enlightenment. Exh. cat. Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, 2022-2023.

Inscriptions

Inscribed across the bottom in pen and ink: OPERE ITALIANE RAPRESENTATE IN AUGUSTA,/disegnati da Giouanni Esaia Nilson:Pittore. Dated in the central cartouche: 1746/1747

Wikidata ID

Q64581948

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