Mrs. Siddons in the Character of the Tragic Muse
Mrs. Siddons in the Character of the Tragic Muse

Currently not on view

Mrs. Siddons in the Character of the Tragic Muse,

1787

Francis Haward, British, 1759–1797
after Sir Joshua Reynolds, British, 1723–1792
Printed by Gouthier, French, active late 18th century
x1968-9
In the era before mechanical or photographic reproduction, the fame of an artist's painting and the reputation of its subject were spread though the publication and collection of fine reproductive prints, such as this engraving after a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The captivating Sarah Siddons (1775-1835) was the best-known tragic actress on the British stage in the eighteenth century, famous for her Shakespearean roles such as Lady Macbeth, Desdemona, and Ophelia. Her portrait in The Character of the Tragic Muse was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds in 1784 and reproduced as an engraving by Haward three years later.

Information

Title
Mrs. Siddons in the Character of the Tragic Muse
Dates

1787

Maker
Francis Haward
after Sir Joshua Reynolds
Printed by Gouthier
Medium

Stipple engraving

Dimensions

sheet (trimmed inside plate): 63 × 45.3 cm (24 13/16 × 17 13/16 in.)
frame: 77.2 × 62.2 × 2.5 cm (30 3/8 × 24 1/2 × 1 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Alexander P. Morgan, Class of 1922

Object Number
x1968-9
Place Made

Europe, England, London

Inscription

Printed below plate, lower left and right corners: Sr. Joshua Reynolds pinxt. / Frans Haward A. R. sculpt.

Printed caption, lower center: MRS. SIDDONS in the Character of the Tragic Muse. / To the KING’S most Excellent MAJESTY this Plate is humbly inscrib’d by Permission with all Gratitude & Respect, / by his most dutiful Subject & Servant, Francis Haward.

Printed along lower edge, from left to right: Printed by C. F. Gouthier / London publish’d June 4th 1787, by Frans Haward, N. 29, March Street, Lambeth, near the Turnpike.

Reference Numbers
Hamilton 131
Culture
European, British
Type
prints, stipple engravings
Materials
printing ink
Techniques
engraving (printing process)
Subject
actors, thrones, figures (representations), sitting, men, women

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The Museum regularly researches its objects and their collecting histories, updating its records to reflect new information. We also strive to catalogue works of art using language that is consistent with how people, subjects, artists, and cultures describe themselves. As this effort is ongoing, the Museum’s records may be incomplete or contain terms that are no longer acceptable. We welcome your feedback, questions, and additional information that you feel may be useful to us. Email us at collectionsinfo@princeton.edu.

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