Artwork
Print Collection
Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Joshua Reynolds. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 18th-century print depicts a theatrical portrait of David Garrick, a renowned English actor, in the role of Kitely from Act II, Scene 1 of Ben Jonson's play 'Every Man in his Humour'. The scene is set in an interior with the character standing amidst a table and books.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a specific moment in the play, highlighting Garrick's portrayal of Kitely. This specificity adds a layer of uniqueness to the portrait, beyond mere representation, by grounding it in a particular dramatic context.
Technique & Style
While the print's creator is not specified here, stylistic comparisons can be drawn with the works of Sir Joshua Reynolds, a prominent portrait painter of the time, suggesting possible influences in composition and rendering of detail.
History & Provenance
Originally sold in London by dealers Mr. Parker and Mr. Finlayson, the print's early distribution channels are documented, though its current location and full ownership history are not provided in the available information.
Context
Created during a period when theatrical arts were flourishing in London, this print reflects the intersection of theatre and visual arts, catering to the public's interest in both the celebrity of David Garrick and the literary revival of Ben Jonson's works.
Legacy
As a representation of a pivotal figure in English theatre, the print contributes to the visual legacy of David Garrick and the enduring appeal of 17th-century literature on 18th-century stage practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Joshua Reynolds (16 July 1723 – 23 February 1792) was an English painter who specialised in portraits.
