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Sarah (Kemble) Siddons as the Tragic Muse

Maker (British, 1723-1792)
Sitter (British, 1755 - 1831)
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Date1783-1784
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions94 1/4 x 58 1/8 in. (239.4 x 147.6 cm.)
DescriptionThis large-scale allegorical painting portrays Sarah Siddons (née Kemble), a famed Welsh-born British theater actress and cultural icon in the late 18th–early 19th century, as the Muse of Tragedy. She is seated on a large throne and the personifications of Pity and Terror stand in the shadows behind her.
SignedSigned and dated on recto on hem of skirt: JOSHUA REYNOLDS PINXIT 1784
InscribedSigned and dated on recto on hem of skirt: JOSHUA REYNOLDS PINXIT 1784
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Label TextLegendary actress Sarah Siddon had recently taken London by storm performing in a string of heartbreaking tragic roles when she posed for Reynolds. He paints her as an austere icon of Tragedy, seemingly enthroned for all eternity. The figures behind her personify two of the elements of tragedy. To her left, holding a poisoned chalice, is the figure of Terror, whose grimacing face was modeled on Reynold's own features studied in a mirror. To her right, clutching a dagger, is the figure of Pity. Reynold's muted color scheme enhances the drama, while the spotlight on the star allows the supporting players to fade into the shadows.
Status
On view
Object number21.2
Portrait of Sarah or Maria Siddons
Thomas Lawrence
n.d.
Object number: 57.4
Sarah Siddons as Lady Macbeth
Richard Cosway
n.d.
Object number: 99.3
Mrs. Yates [or Mrs. Siddons (?)]
Thomas Stothard
ca.1783
Object number: 63.52.250
Mrs. Siddons
Richard Cosway
mid 18th-early 19th Century
Object number: 26.33
Mrs Siddons as Matilda in the Carmelite
William Hamilton
n.d.
Object number: 69.68.18
Mrs. Siddons Rehearsing
Thomas Rowlandson
n.d.
Object number: 59.55.1126
Mrs Siddons as Lady Macbeth
George Henry Harlow
n.d.
Object number: 68.34
Photography © 2015 Fredrik Nilsen
Joshua Reynolds
ca.1775-76
Object number: 25.20
Sarah Goodin Barrett Moulton: "Pinkie"
Thomas Lawrence
1794
Object number: 27.61
Jane Fleming, later Countess of Harrington
Joshua Reynolds
ca.1778-1779
Object number: 13.3
Francis Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon
Joshua Reynolds
1754
Object number: 44.101