Sculpture: S0041

Title

Figure of Hamlet

Technique

Wood

Character

Hamlet : Hamlet

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Dimensions

Height: 58cm
Width: 16.5cm
Depth: 11cm

Other materials

Oak; 67.5 x 16.5 x 11 including 2 pieces fixed to back of base as support

Inscription/signature

“HAMLET” on front of base; “FIGURE OF HAMLET / FOUND IN HENRY IRVING'S DRESSING / ROOM AT THE LYCEUM / BY EDITH CRAIG / AND BEQUEATHED BY HER TO / THE GARRICK CLUB” on brass plaque attached to base

Provenance

Henry Irving; Edith Craig, by whom bequeathed to the Garrick Club, 1959

Other number

Gift 769

A crude work by an amateur, ultimately based on Lawrence's portrait of John Philip Kemble as Hamlet (see G0386). The plumed hat and the casually placed skull derive from the painting. The carver did not understand the point of the Order of the Elephant which has been turned into a clasp. If the provenance is correct, it is likely that Irving was given this carving by an admirer.