Focusing on the representation of actresses in the eighteenth century, this Element examines how various visual materials, including prints and costumes, illuminate the complexities of female celebrity and scandal. It challenges the traditional view of the actress as merely a muse, emphasizing her active role in creating art through performance and tangible objects. By analyzing case studies, the author reveals both familiar and lesser-known narratives of female performers, highlighting their significance across different media and the evolving perception of their contributions to the arts.
Laura Engel Book order





- 2024
- 2022
A gripping and ultimately redemptive story full of surprises, plot twists, and you-can't-believe-it's-true moments, You'll Forget This Ever Happened is a testament to a mother's enduring love-but it's also much more.
- 2019
Women, Performance and the Material of Memory
The Archival Tourist, 17801915
- 188 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Exploring the intersection of archival research and tourism, this book invites readers to engage with historical materials through sensory experiences. Each chapter focuses on specific objects like pocket diaries and photographs, connecting them to notable women artists and authors, including Elizabeth Inchbald and Madame Tussaud. By adopting the role of an archival tourist, the author presents innovative methodologies to examine the representation of women in historical archives, bridging the past with contemporary interpretations.
- 2016
Fashioning Celebrity
Eighteenth-Century British Actresses and Strategies for Image Making
- 194 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Focusing on late eighteenth-century British actresses, the book explores how their autobiographical memoirs, portraits, and theatrical roles served as vital tools for career development. It highlights the interplay between personal narratives and public personas, revealing how these women navigated the complexities of their profession and societal expectations to craft their identities in a male-dominated industry.