Artists and Actors, Masters of Illusion

Artists and actors both manage to transcend divisions between reality and fantasy by creating a world that lies somewhere in between. In other words, they create illusions, making viewers think that what is actually ink on paper or paint on canvas is a three-dimensional object existing in space or, in the case of actors, that the character they portray on stage is their true identity. 

In the portrait of Hyacinthe Rigaud, for instance, the artist uses depth to suggest that Rigaud really is sitting in that window, looking out at the viewer. Through the use of expression, LeCouvreur, in her portrait, encourages viewers to look beyond her outward physical appearance to see the character of Cornelia.  

This group of images, while astutely reminding viewers that artists and actors produce fantasy, also provides insights into the way artists attempt to evoke the essence of the sitter. Like the Portrait of an Artist by Joseph-Siffred Duplessis in the Ackland's collection, they make vivid the artists’ and actors’ creativity, artistry, enthusiasm, and status