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John Philip Kemble
William Beechey1798-99
Dulwich Picture Gallery
London, United Kingdom
Brother of Charles Kemble and Sarah Siddons, John Philip Kemble (1757–1823) was one of the most celebrated actors of his time. In 1783, he made his London debut as Hamlet and excelled in tragic Shakespearean roles, including Macbeth, Richard III and Coriolanus. He became the actor-manager of Drury Lane Theatre in 1788, before leaving to manage Covent Garden Theatre in 1796.
This portrait was commissioned in 1798 by Noel Desenfans, co-founder of Dulwich Picture Gallery. Kemble was a friend of Desenfans and Sir Francis Bourgeois, and is often credited as having suggested Dulwich College as a home for their collection.
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Details
- Title: John Philip Kemble
- Creator Lifespan: 1753 - 1839
- Date: 1798-99
- Physical Dimensions: w641 x h768 cm
- Type: Painting
- Medium: Oil
- Work Notes: Commissioned by Desenfans c. 1798. Version in the Garrick Club.
- Work Nationality: British
- Support: Canvas
- Provenance: Commissioned by Noel Desenfans, c. 1798; London, Noel Desenfans, c. 1798-1807; London, Sir Francis Bourgeois, 1807-1811; Bourgeois Bequest, 1811.
- Further Information: John Philip Kemble (1757-1823) was the brother of Charles Kemble (see Briggs DPG291) and Mrs Siddons (see Reynolds DPG318, also displayed in this room). A celebrated tragic actor and manager at Covent Garden between 1803-17, Kemble was a friend of Desenfans and Bourgeois and was reputedly responsible for suggesting Dulwich as a suitable home for the Bourgeois collection. DPG111 was commissioned by Desenfans in 1798 or shortly before and was exhibited at the RA in the following year. A version is in the Garrick Club.
- Artist: Beechey, Sir William
- Acquisition Method: Bourgeois, Sir Peter Francis (Bequest, 1811)
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