Example Abstract for Arts and Humanities

1st Position, Seventeenth Annual Graduate Exhibition

Janet Irene Woods

College: College of Arts and Architecture
Department: Theatre
Title: Costume Design and Prototype for Princess Eboli
Abstract:

This project involved the design of the costumes for the character Princess Eboli in the Giuseppe Verdi opera, Don Carlos. Set in the 1560's in Spain, the opera tells of the imprisonment of King Philip's son, Don Carlos, and the betrayal of the Queen, Elizabetta of Valois. The character Princess Eboli is a maid-in-waiting for the Queen, a paramour of the King and is in love with the son. It is her jealousy and revenge that bring about the crisis in the plot.

The plot is based on historical events. Verdi used the play of the same name by Frederich Schiller as his inspiration. King Philip did, in fact, imprison his son. Don Carlos died mysteriously while imprisoned and his death has raised a controversy of speculation that King Philip had him killed.

My interest in Sixteenth Century clothing has led me into a study of the Spanish influence on Western European fashions during that century.

Spain was at the height of its power and influence, ruling much of Europe and vast explorations in the Americas. As Spain's political influences spread, so did their influence on fashion, particularly in England and France.

My designs for Princess Eboli involved research into Sixteenth Century Spanish clothing, as well as research and analysis of the libretto of the opera, Don Carlos. The costumes needed to be historically accurate and artistically appropriate for the grand scope of the opera.

I also gained inspiration from the paintings of Sofonisba Anguissola, who was a Sixteenth Century woman painter. Originally from Italy, she became the court painter to Queen Elizabeth of Valois upon her marriage to King Philip II of Spain. The paintings treat the Spanish Queen with delicacy and great attention to detail in the depictions of the clothing.

The result is a fully realized costume of one of the four designs for Princess Eboli. The gown that I produced is worn in Act 2, Scene 2, when Eboli sings the Veil Song among the assembled ladies of the Court.

My project display will include the complete costume mounted on a mannequin, along with the wig and hat mounted on a head form. The water color renderings of the designs will also be included.