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G0055
Paintings: G0055
Title
Robert Bensley
Technique
Oil on canvas
Subject
Character
Harold : The Battle of Hastings
Artist
Dimensions
Height: 36.8cm
Width: 28.3cm
height (frame): 46cm
width (frame): 37cm
Width: 28.3cm
height (frame): 46cm
width (frame): 37cm
Provenance
John Bell; Charles Mathews
Other number
Mathews 181
RW/CKA 251
RW/CKA 251
Exhibition history
1833 London, Queen's Bazaar, Oxford Street, "Mr Mathews's Gallery of Theatrical Portraits" (181)
1975 Brighton Art Gallery and Museum "Gothick" (J14)
Engraving history
Philippe Audinet for Bell's British Library 23 February 1793, line 11.5x8.2, published Bell's "British Theatre" (1797), vol 6, with the quotation: "-disastrous Signs! / What shall I do?"
The scene is "The English Camp. The royal Tent with the Banners of Harold unfurled." Harold wears a complete suit of chain-mail with a red belt edged in gold, a dark green mantle edged in gold and lined and trimmed with ermine. He leans contemplatively at the entrance to his tent.
Cumberland's tragedy was first performed at Drury Lane on 24 January 1778, with Bensley as the original Harold. The play was given thirteen times during the season. After a single performance the following season, on 1 October 1778, the play was dropped from the repertory.
Cumberland's tragedy was first performed at Drury Lane on 24 January 1778, with Bensley as the original Harold. The play was given thirteen times during the season. After a single performance the following season, on 1 October 1778, the play was dropped from the repertory.
