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Richard Brinsley Sheridan

(1751-1816), Dramatist and parliamentary orator

Sitter associated with 168 portraits
Playwright and statesman; eloped with Elizabeth Linley whom he subsequently married, 1772; established his reputation with his comedy, The Rivals, 1775; manager of Drury Lane Theatre from 1776; The School for Scandal performed 1777. A favourite in society, he also embarked on a successful political career, becoming a Whig MP, 1780; noted as an orator; held office under Rockingham and Portland, and led the impeachment against Warren Hastings; friend and confidant of the Prince of Wales.

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12 3 4…9

by John Russell
pastel on grey paper, 1788
NPG 651

The House of Commons 1793-94

by Karl Anton Hickel
oil on canvas, 1793-1795
NPG 745

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

by Unknown artist
line engraving, published 1 November 1777
NPG D5967

Richard Brinsley Sheridan ('A peep behind the curtain at Drury Lane')

by James Sayers, published by Thomas Cornell
etching and aquatint, published 14 January 1780
NPG D9542

'Banditti'

by John Boyne, published by Edward Hedges
etching, published 22 December 1783
NPG D12343

'General Blackbeard wounded at the battle of Leadenhall'

by John Boyne, published by Edward Hedges
etching, published 5 January 1784
NPG D12344

'Westminster school. or - Dr Busby settling accounts with Master-Billy and his playmates'

by James Gillray, published by James Ridgway
hand-coloured etching, published 4 February 1785
NPG D12993

'Anticipation, or the approaching fate of the French Commercial Treaty'

by James Gillray, published by William Holland
hand-coloured etching, published 1787?
NPG D12356

'The Prince at Grasse'

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 2 June 1787
NPG D12362

'The Prince in Clover'

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 2 June 1787
NPG D12363

'The sick prince'

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 16 June 1787
NPG D12365

'The theatrical war'

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 30 June 1787
NPG D12366

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

published by Photographische Gesellschaft, after John Russell
photogravure, (1788)
NPG D40698

'The princess's bow alias the Bow Begum'

by James Sayers, published by Thomas Cornell
etching, published 1 May 1788
NPG D9573

'Oppositions attempt to raise the dead'

by James Sayers, published by Thomas Cornell
etching, published 17 March 1788
NPG D12240

'The impeachment'

by James Sayers
etching, 1788?
NPG D12245

'The shadow of opposition'

by James Sayers, published by Thomas Cornell
etching and aquatint, published 31 March 1788
NPG D12248

'The Westminster hunt'

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 27 April 1788
NPG D12376

'Market day'

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 2 May 1788
NPG D12377

'State-jugglers'

by James Gillray, published by Samuel William Fores
hand-coloured etching, published 16 May 1788
NPG D12381

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Related People

Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton (née Sheridan, later Lady Stirling-Maxwell) (granddaughter)
Charles Sheridan (son)
Esther Jane Sheridan (née Ogle) (wife)
Frances Sheridan (mother)
Thomas Sheridan (father)

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Richard Brinsley Sheridan