About this lot

Description

J Leith (British, fl. circa 1786-1790) Portrait of Mrs Sarah Siddons, née Kemble (1755-1831) signed below bustline "J. Leith" and inscribed to the reverse "Mrs Siddons. Done in Soho London" watercolour on paper 8 x 6.60cm (3 x 3in)
Other Notes: Mrs Sarah Siddons was a famous tragic actress. She married William Siddons in 1773, from whom she separated in 1804. In 1777 she began 'the circuit' of York and Bath and spent four years performing at the Theatre Royal, Bristol. Having been dismissed previously from performing at Drury Lane in 1774, Mrs Siddons made a triumphal return to London in 1782/3. Her ability to perform with "boldness; tempered with exquisite grace" was remarked upon in a report on her death in The Examiner (London), on 12th June 1831.
Slight discolouration around the perimeter, particularly to the left of her wig. Paper a little wrinkled and with a minor chip to the surface lower right along the edge.

Back to lot listings