Portret van Johanna Cornelia Wattier in de rol van Fedra - Johannes Jelgerhuis

A detailed etching by Johannes Jelgerhuis capturing the actress Johanna Cornelia Wattier in her performance as Phaedra.

This etching depicts the Dutch actress Johanna Cornelia Wattier in her performance as Phaedra. Johannes Jelgerhuis, himself an actor and painter, possessed a unique perspective on the theatre of his time. His work documents the specific costumes, gestures, and stage presence of early nineteenth-century performers. The figure is rendered with precise, clean lines that define the folds of the classical drapery and the delicate patterns of the veil.

Wattier is shown in a dramatic pose, her arm extended and her expression conveying the emotional intensity associated with the role of Phaedra. The composition is sparse, focusing entirely on the subject against a plain background, which is characteristic of Jelgerhuis's approach to theatrical documentation. The text inscribed on the print identifies the subject and her role, providing a clear historical record of the production.

Jelgerhuis was a keen observer of the stage, and his prints offer a glimpse into the aesthetic conventions of the Dutch theatre during the Napoleonic era. The costume reflects the Neoclassical fashion of the period, which sought to emulate the appearance of ancient Greek and Roman attire. The fine line work captures the texture of the fabric and the ornamentation of the gown with clarity. This piece is a valuable record for those interested in the history of performance and the intersection of visual art with the dramatic arts in the Netherlands.