Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) as the Tragic Muse

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) as the Tragic Muse

by and published by Samuel William Reynolds, after Sir Joshua Reynolds
mezzotint, published circa 1820 (1783-1784)
9 in. x 6 5/8 in. (229 mm x 167 mm) plate size; 9 7/8 in. x 7 1/2 in. (250 mm x 189 mm) paper size
Bequeathed by (Frederick) Leverton Harris, 1927
Reference Collection
NPG D14253

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), Painter and first President of the Royal Academy. Artist or producer associated with 1425 portraits, Sitter associated with 40 portraits.
  • Samuel William Reynolds (1773-1835), Mezzotint engraver and painter. Artist or producer associated with 637 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG D4232: Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) as the Tragic Muse (based on same portrait)
  • NPG D9069: Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) as the Tragic Muse (based on same portrait)
  • NPG D41674: Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) as the Tragic Muse (based on same portrait)
  • NPG L269.B6.14: Sarah Siddons (née Kemble) as the Tragic Muse ()

Events of 1820back to top

Current affairs

George III dies at Windsor Castle on 29 January and George IV ascends to the throne.
'Trial of Queen Caroline' in the House of Lords; Parliament drops the Bill which was to legitimise a divorce between Caroline and George IV.
Cato Street Conspiracy to assassinate the cabinet discovered. Arthur Thistlewood and fellow conspirators are hanged.

Art and science

Sir Thomas Lawrence becomes President of the Royal Academy.
Astronomical Society is set up by John Herschel and Charles Babbage.
First iron steamship is launched.

International

Actor, Edmund Kean goes on a successful tour of America after making his name at the Drury Lane Theatre.
Revolutions begin in Spain, Portugal and Naples.
The famous ancient Greek statue of the Venus de Milo is rediscovered on the Island of Melos and purchased by the Louvre in Paris.

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