Sarah Siddons (née Kemble)

Sitterback to top

• Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) (1755-1831), Actress. Sitter associated with 38 portraits, Artist associated with 1 portrait.

Artistback to top

• John Downman (1750-1824). Artist associated with 34 portraits.

This portraitback to top

John Downman studied under Benjamin West and exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1770 and 1802. This depiction of Sarah Siddons is one of twenty portraits of 'beauties' commissioned by the 3rd Duke of Richmond. The subject, who was painted in theatrical guises by all of the leading artists of her day including Gainsborough and Reynolds, is pictured here in ordinary, fashionable dress.

Related worksback to top

• NPG 2652: Elizabeth (née Farren), Countess of Derby (companion portrait)

Linked publicationsback to top

• Ingamells, John, National Portrait Gallery: Mid-Georgian Portraits 1760-1790, 2004, p. 431
• Rogers, Malcolm, Master Drawings from the National Portrait Gallery, 1993 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 5 August to 23 October 1994), p. 67
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 564

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

• Late Eighteenth Century Prints and Drawings (17 April 2004 - 5 September 2004)

Subject/Themeback to top

• Hats and head-attire