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G0007
Paintings: G0007
Title
Sir George Alexander
Technique
Oil on canvas
Subject
Character
Rudolf Rassendyll : The Prisoner of Zenda
Artist
Date
1901
Dimensions
Height (canvas): 228cm
width (canvas): 129.5cm
height (frame): 261cm
width (frame): 161cm
width (canvas): 129.5cm
height (frame): 261cm
width (frame): 161cm
Inscription/signature
"Robert Brough 1901"
Provenance
Bequeathed by Sir George Alexander (the sitter), subject to the life interest of his widow; received 1947
Other number
CKA 650
Gift 658
Gift 658
Exhibition history
1902 London, R.A. (212)
1909 London, R.S.P.P. (112)
Related works
Aberdeen Art Gallery oil on canvas 92 x 71.3, inscr: "Sketch for George Alexander in 'The Prisoner of Zenda' by Robert Brough ARSA."
Literature
Dereck Hudson, "A 'New Look' for the Garrick Club Pictures", The Connoisseur (June 1969), 171:82, No.9
In Brough's evocation of the well turned-out romantic hero Alexander wears white hose, creamy breeches and a white shirt. Around his neck is a blue ribbon with an order.
Edward Rose's romantic drama played in New York in 1895, with Richard Southern as Rudolph. It was given its first London production at the St James's on 7 January 1896, ran until 18 July, disappeared for the summer, reopened on 20 October, and ran until 28 November 1896. There were 255 performances altogether. George Alexander played the triple role of Prince Rudolf / Rudolf the Fifth / Rudolf Rassendyll, with H. B. Irving as Captain Hentzau / Lawrence Cautley, Allan Aynesworth as Bertram Bertrand, and Evelyn Millard and Julia Neilson both playing Princess Flavia. The scenery was by H. P. Hall, Walter Hann, and William Telbin, and the costumes by Mmes Savage and Purdue with L. & H. Nathan. When the St James's acquired a telegraphic address in 1897, Alexander chose the name "Ruritania," a constant reminder of the "Romantic Play in a Prologue and Four Acts".
Edward Rose's romantic drama played in New York in 1895, with Richard Southern as Rudolph. It was given its first London production at the St James's on 7 January 1896, ran until 18 July, disappeared for the summer, reopened on 20 October, and ran until 28 November 1896. There were 255 performances altogether. George Alexander played the triple role of Prince Rudolf / Rudolf the Fifth / Rudolf Rassendyll, with H. B. Irving as Captain Hentzau / Lawrence Cautley, Allan Aynesworth as Bertram Bertrand, and Evelyn Millard and Julia Neilson both playing Princess Flavia. The scenery was by H. P. Hall, Walter Hann, and William Telbin, and the costumes by Mmes Savage and Purdue with L. & H. Nathan. When the St James's acquired a telegraphic address in 1897, Alexander chose the name "Ruritania," a constant reminder of the "Romantic Play in a Prologue and Four Acts".
