John Kemble as Richard III
Willliam Hamilton, 1788

John Philip Kemble (1751-1801), generally regarded as the greatest tragic actor of his day, came from a famous stage family, being the brother of Charles Kemble and Mrs Siddons. He was Manager of Drury Lane Theatre for many years, and subsequently of Covent Garden. William Hamilton was extensively employed on illustrations for Boydell's Shakespeare and other lavish publications, for which he was much admired. He was prolific as a portrait painter, specialising in sitters connected with the stage. Transferred from the Mander & Mitchenson Theatre Collection in 2011.
More information
Title of artwork, date
John Kemble as Richard III, 1788
Date supported
1978
Medium and material
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
211 x 157 cm
Grant
565
Total cost
2260
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