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P1167
Prints: P1167
Title
Sara Siddons as Elvira in 'Pizarro'
Subject
Artist
Date
1799
Dimensions
height: 22cm
width: 16.2cm
width: 16.2cm
Other materials
Hand coloured etching.
Provenance
Formerly in the collection of Professor Jim Davis, acquired by the Garrick Club in 2024
Other number
E0162
This print depicts Act 3, Scene 3 of Robert Brinsley Sheridan's play 'Pizarro'. It was an adaptation of the German playwright, Kotzebue's 'Die Spanier in Peru', (The Spaniard of Peru). It opened at Drury Lane theatre on the 24th of May 1799. Sarah Siddons, and her brothers John Phillip Kemble and Charles Kemble, as well as Dorothy Jordan starred in play. After a lukewarm first night the play eventually became a success. Sarah Siddons is depicted standing full length, facing her right, with one arm extended and a finger raised. She wears a quasi classical white dress, with a red shawl boarded with yellow trim. Siddons played the role of Elvira, the mistress of Pizarro. She iimbued the role with dignity and made her a heroine.
