Thomas GainsboroughBritish, 1727–1788Mrs Siddons
May one see it?
Unknown
The National Gallery
London, United Kingdom
The owner is known; whether it is on view today is not.
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
Portrait of Sarah Siddons is an oil on canvas portrait painting by the English artist Thomas Gainsborough, from 1785. It depicts the actress Sarah Siddons, a member of the theatrical Kemble family, and the leading tragedienne on the British stage of the era. It is held in the National Gallery, in London.
Particulars
- Accession number
- NG683
In the catalog
Sources
- Wikidata
- Image: The National Gallery — Thomas Gainsborough · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Meanwhile, in the life of Thomas Gainsborough
The whole life1774–1788
The rivalry with Reynolds
In London Gainsborough sets up his studio next to Christie's auction rooms, which he often visits. His London years are marked by rivalry with Joshua Reynolds, president of the Royal Academy.
1783
The Lake District with his friend Sam Kilderbee
In 1783 Gainsborough travels with his friend Sam Kilderbee through the Lake District in north-west England.
1784
A quarrel with the Academy over the hanging
In 1784 Gainsborough is displeased with the way his pictures are hung at the Academy's exhibition and asks for them to be rehung lower; he is told that this goes against the general rule and harms the interests of other artists. He takes his pictures away and never again takes part in the Academy's exhibitions, holding exhibitions at his own house instead.
1784
The first private exhibition at Schomberg House
In 1784 Gainsborough holds his first private exhibition at Schomberg House. Among the works shown is the portrait of Frances Browne, Mrs John Douglas, reading a letter in a secluded, overgrown corner of a garden: the silvery violet tones of the clouds and the drapery tie the sitter to her surroundings.
1784
The court post goes to Reynolds
In 1784 Principal Painter in Ordinary Allan Ramsay dies and the King is obliged to give the post to Gainsborough's rival, Academy president Joshua Reynolds; Gainsborough nevertheless remains the royal family's favourite painter.
