Artwork
Mrs. Siddons as Matilda in the 'Carmelite'
Mrs. Siddons as Matilda in the 'Carmelite' is a print by the Romanticist artist J. Thornthwaite. It dates from 1783 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print on paper depicts Mrs.
About this work
Overview
This print on paper depicts Mrs. Siddons as Matilda in the play 'The Carmelite'. Created in 1783 by J. Thornthwaite, it showcases the actress in a dramatic role.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows a veiled woman kneeling at an altar, holding a cross and gazing upwards. Funeral items on the altar suggest a somber narrative, underscoring the character's emotional state.
Technique & Style
Sharp lines and nuanced shading give the figure a dramatic appearance. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and highlights the subject's emotional intensity.
History & Provenance
The print was created in 1783 by J. Thornthwaite, capturing Mrs. Siddons' portrayal of Matilda in 'The Carmelite'.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist made prints of actors on stage in the 1700s, turning famous roles into portraits.
