Paintings: G0449

Title

Charles Macklin

Technique

Oil on canvas

Subject

Macklin, Charles

Artist

Opie, John RA

Dimensions

Height: 89.5cm
Width: 69.2cm

Provenance

Thomas Harris; Harris sale, Robins 12 July 1819 (35); Charles Mathews

Other number

Mathews 4
RW/CKA 16

Exhibition history

1833 London, Queen's Bazaar, Oxford Street, "Mr Mathews's Gallery of Theatrical Portraits" (4)

Related works

NPG 1319, oil on canvas 90.8 x 70.5 prov: the Rev Edward Clarke, Christie's March 1856 bought by Hermann for John Green, Christie's 22 July 1871, James McCulloch in 1902 when bought by the NPG

Engraving history

J. Conde for Arthur Murphy's ed. of Macklin's “Works” pub. J. Bell July 1792, stipple & line 17.3 x 13.35 (Inscr: "Charles Macklin / Comedian / in his 93rd Year") [see PM0297] Samuel Freeman pub. Longman & Co. 1806, stipple 8.9 x 7.3 James Hopwood for “The Cabinet” pub. Mathews & Leigh 1 August 1808, stipple & line 9.3 x 7.2 (bust only) [see PM0293]

Literature

Patmore pp. 271-72

Macklin is depicted as an author rather than as an actor. He holds a paper in his left hand, and a white quill and silver ink-well are positioned ready for inspiration. He wears a dark coat and powdered wig.
Patmore describes this picture as an "admirable head of Macklin, just before he died, painted with infinite force and spirit by Opie."