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The Daily Triptych105 / 365
A detailed engraving and etching showing actresses dressing in a barn. A group of women are gathered, some adjusting costumes, others applying makeup or interacting with each other. The scene is richly detailed, capturing the bustling atmosphere of a pre-show preparation.
William Hogarth, Public domain
Public domain

I · THE OBJECT · BRITISH MUSEUM

Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn

British · 1738 · William Hogarth

▶ Listen · narrated

Engravings serve as reproductions of paintings, but they also play a crucial role in preserving those that have been lost to time.

At a glance

Creator
William Hogarth
Date
1738
Material
engraving; line engraving; etching; India ink

Look closer

  1. Three techniques

    The print is a remarkable example of how Hogarth employed multiple techniques. There are three distinct fabrication methods used in the making of this print: engraving, line engraving and etching, all executed using India ink. This combination allows for a rich variety of textures and tonalities that bring depth to the scene. It also gives Hogarth more control over different aspects of the image.

  2. Different heights

    It can be difficult to notice but the prints vary in height by around 5 centimetres (2 in), one print is at least a centimetre narrower as well. The size variations are an indication that there may have been differences in how each of these prints was cut and prepared.

  3. Different collections

    The five prints can now be found in different museum collections across the world. This includes institutions like the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Wellcome Collection, Yale Center for British Art and Cleveland Museum of Art. The dispersion means that these prints are part of a global collection.

The story

Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn is an engraving. It started life as part of a set of prints created by William Hogarth in 1738. The print captures a moment in an actress's dressing routine, depicting the performers’ everyday life before a show.

It was originally issued along with another four prints titled Four Times of the Day, making a five-print series. These prints were likely used as a set and sold together. Hogarth’s engravings and etchings are notable for their detailed depictions of social scenes, often infused with his characteristic wit and commentary on contemporary life.

Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn is an intriguing example of how prints can serve multiple purposes. As a reproduction, it allows viewers to engage with a lost original painting, offering insights into Hogarth's artistic process and the social context of early 18th-century theatre life.

Why it mattered then

In its own time, Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn offered viewers a glimpse into the daily lives of actresses. Hogarth's depictions were not only entertaining but also carried social commentary. They provided a window into the world of theatre and the everyday routines of performers, which would have been unfamiliar to many of his contemporaries.

Why it matters now

Today, Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn holds significance as a historical document. It preserves the image of a painting that no longer exists, providing valuable insights into Hogarth's work and the theatre culture of the 18th century. Additionally, it showcases Hogarth’s technical skill in engraving and etching, highlighting his ability to capture intricate details and convey complex narratives through his prints.

The surprising detail

The print is part of a larger series that includes Four Times of the Day. The different museums holding this set means that anyone wanting to see all five prints has to visit multiple institutions across several countries

What is disputed

The exact circumstances surrounding the loss of the original painting are not clearly documented and provenance of Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn print is also uncertain.

Remember this

Prints can preserve lost paintings and offer insights into artistic techniques and social history.

Test yourself

How does Strolling Actresses Dressing in a Barn relate to the Four Times of the Day series?

Go deeper

Image: William Hogarth, Public domain. Licence: Public domain. Source.

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