Artwork
David Garrick, actor (1716-1779)
David Garrick, actor (1716-1779) is a print by Lowes Cato Dickinson. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This lithograph presents a portrait of David Garrick, a renowned 18th-century actor, in a circular frame.
About this work
Overview
This lithograph presents a portrait of David Garrick, a renowned 18th-century actor, in a circular frame. The image captures Garrick's likeness in a bust format, based on the Coleman Portrait.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, David Garrick (1716-1779), was a celebrated actor of his time. The portrait conveys a sense of dignity and refinement, reflecting his professional stature.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the lithograph utilizes precise lines and smooth tonal transitions to achieve a three-dimensional effect, notably in the shading around the jaw and collar, exemplifying the use of chiaroscuro.
History & Provenance
The work is derived from the Coleman Portrait of Garrick, though specific details about the lithograph's creation and ownership history are not provided.
Context
Created in a period when theatrical arts were flourishing, the portrait reflects the growing interest in capturing likenesses of prominent figures in the entertainment world.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lowes Cato Dickinson (27 November 1819 – 15 December 1908) was an English portrait painter and Christian socialist. He taught drawing with John Ruskin and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. He was a founder of the Working Men's College in London.
