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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/34/2
Former ReferenceD5459/1/129
TitleMacbeth : Mrs Siddons as Lady Macbeth
DateFeb 1787
DescriptionPortrait of Mrs Siddons in a white nightdress-like garment and white veil. In her left hand she holds a candle and with her right points to a bloodstain on her arm. Available on CD 157.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationG M Woodward Delin : February 1787

"Lady / Out, out _ damn'd spot."

Sarah Siddons, née Kemble (1755-1831) was born in Brecon, eldest daughter of Robert Kemble, a provincial theatre manager, and his wife Sarah, an actress. She first acted as Ariel in 1766, but despite working as a maid and paid companion, she returned to the stage, marrying the actor William Siddons.
She made her unsuccessful debut as Portia in 'The Merchant of Venice' at Drury Lane in 1775.

Siddons became famous for her role as Lady Macbeth. She played the role at Drury Lane on 1 Oct 1785 and 24 Feb 1786. In this depiction of Mrs. Siddons, Woodward shows her carrying a candle, when one of her many innovations in the play was to do without the candle in this scene, in order to make more of a show of washing her hands
Physical DescriptionColoured drawing. Size 250 x 191 mm. Portrait.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialSee D5459/1/51 for another portrait of Mrs Siddons.
Publication NoteB.D.A., London Stage.
Image

Macbeth : Mrs Siddons as Lady Macbeth

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