Paintings: G0333

Title

Henry Erskine Johnston

Technique

Oil on canvas

Subject

Johnston, Henry Erksine

Character

Young Norval : Douglas; or The Noble Shepherd

Artist

Singleton, Henry

Dimensions

Height: 74.3cm
Width: 61.6cm

Provenance

Thomas Harris; Harris sale, Robins 12 July 1819 (17); Charles Mathews

Other number

Mathews 6
RW/CKA 32

Exhibition history

1802 London, R. A. (200) 1833 London, Queen's Bazaar, Oxford Street, "Mr Mathews's Gallery of Theatrical Portraits" (6)

Engraving history

E. Mitchel, stipple & line 39.7 x 35 (full-length) Thomas Wright for Oxberry's "New English Theatre" pub. Simpkin & Marshall 1821, stipple 10.8 x 8.25 (same composition but looking to front)

Literature

Patmore p. 274; Griffiths p. 335

Young Norval, the noble Douglas, has just heard from Lady Randolph the true identity of his father Norval. He wants to know who his mother is, and Lady Randolph reveals all - for it is she, the mother he has not seen since the day he was born. He tugs at his sword to show his willingness to help her. He wears red and green plaid over steel armour. See G0332.