Scène uit toneelstuk Assepoester - Charles Rochussen

A nineteenth-century lithograph by Charles Rochussen depicting a theatrical scene from the story of Cinderella, contrasting domestic reality with a dreamlike vision.

This lithograph by Charles Rochussen depicts a theatrical interpretation of the Cinderella narrative. Rochussen, a prolific Dutch painter and illustrator, frequently engaged with historical and literary themes. His work often reflects the nineteenth-century interest in dramatic staging and the visual translation of folklore into popular media.

The composition is divided into two distinct zones. In the foreground, a seated woman rests in a domestic setting, her posture suggesting weariness or reflection. She is surrounded by simple tools, such as a bellows and a shovel, which ground the scene in the reality of her household duties. In contrast, the background presents a dreamlike or spectral vision. A prince stands before a kneeling figure, offering a crown, while a group of onlookers watches from behind a veil of light. This juxtaposition creates a clear separation between the mundane existence of the protagonist and the idealized resolution of the fairy tale.

Rochussen employs a soft, tonal approach characteristic of mid-nineteenth-century lithography. The shading is achieved through delicate hatching and stippling, allowing for a transition between the dark, heavy shadows of the foreground and the ethereal, luminous quality of the background figures. The print, produced by the Amsterdam firm Dieperink & Co., demonstrates the technical capabilities of the period in capturing narrative depth through monochrome printing. The work functions as a visual record of theatrical production design, capturing the essence of a stage performance rather than a literal interpretation of the original story. It provides an insight into how European audiences of the era consumed classic tales through the medium of affordable, mass-produced prints.