antique oil portrait mrs sarah siddons née kemble after thomas gainsborough

Oil Portrait of Celebrated Welsh Actress Sarah Siddons (née Kemble)
After the 1785 Masterpiece by Thomas Gainsborough

Subject & MediumThis distinguished oil-on-millboard portrait captures the iconic Sarah Siddons (1755–1831), the foremost tragedienne of the Georgian stage. Created circa 1840 during the early Victorian period, the piece is a masterful English School reinterpretation of Thomas Gainsborough’s original 1785 portrait. Executed in sumptuous oil, it balances the refinement of the original with 19th-century charm and painterly sensibility.Composition & TechniqueSiddons is portrayed seated with dignified serenity, her figure subtly turned to the left against a deep, reddish-brown backdrop. The atmosphere is warm and theatrical, enhancing her commanding presence. She dons a striking blue striped gown complemented by a soft yellow mantle, a black beaver hat adorned with ostrich plumes, and a delicate fox-fur muff resting in her lap.The palette is elegant and restrained: cerulean blues, muted golds, and rich crimson shadows offset her luminous complexion. The artist’s brushwork is confident and expressive—drapery rendered with broad, sweeping strokes, while the sitter’s visage is softly blended to achieve a natural, lifelike finish. Textural contrasts between satin, fur, and feather enrich the visual depth, channeling the spirit of the Grand Manner portrait tradition.
About the SitterSarah Siddons was Britain’s most revered tragic actress of the 18th century. Born into the renowned Kemble theatrical family, she became legendary for her emotionally charged performances, especially as Lady Macbeth—a role she made her own. Celebrated for her magnetic stage presence and moral character, Siddons was admired by both royalty and the public. This portrait offers a rare view of the actress as herself—not in costume, but as the poised, intellectual, and dignified woman she truly was.Artist & AttributionThough unsigned, the work is confidently attributed to the English School and closely follows the composition of Gainsborough’s original. More than a direct copy, the artist adds 19th-century flair and individuality—emphasizing tone, mood, and surface quality in line with mid-Victorian portrait aesthetics. The restrained execution and academic style reflect a deep understanding of British portraiture.FramingThe painting is set in a luxurious new Larson-Juhl frame, finished in antique gold foil with a sculpted reserve profile—complementing the elegance of the era it depicts. Protected under AR70 museum-grade glass, it offers exceptional clarity and UV protection for long-term preservation.Frame Dimensions: 41 cm (H) × 34 cm (W) × 2 cm (D)
Ready to Hang – A commanding, gallery-ready centerpiece.
ProvenancePrivate Collection
GEO Rowney & Co., Rathbone Place, London
Northern Shire Antiques & Fine Art
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant
Exhibited at a middle shire Museum
Why You’ll Love ItHistoric Tribute – A refined 19th-century homage to Gainsborough's renowned portrait.
Iconic Subject – Features the legendary Sarah Siddons at the height of her cultural power.
Timeless Beauty – Harmonious colour, expressive technique, and noble composition.
Expertly Framed – Museum-quality protection and display-ready presentation.
Provenance Assured – Exhibited, curated, and sourced from respected collections.
Collector's Choice – Merges art history, theatre, and portraiture in one exquisite work.Condition ReportIn structurally stable condition with age-appropriate craquelure and foxing visible. Minor, well-executed paint touch-ups appear along the outer edges of the background, sensitively preserving the sitter’s features. The surface remains vibrant and cohesive throughout.
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Antiques.co.uk Ref: CYFKT93X5

Maker/Artist:

English School

Materials:

Oil on Mill'd board

Width (cm):

34

Height (cm):

41

Depth (cm):

2

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