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Mrs. Woffington

Engraver James McArdell Irish
After Arthur Pond British
1742–65
Not on view
In this half-length portrait the actress Margaret (Peg) Woffington wears a lace cap with a loosely tied strings, pearl drop earrings, a gown with a low neckline and holds flowers. Her body is directed to the left, with the head turned towards the viewer. Born in Ireland, Woffington found success on the Dublin stage before traveling to London and peforming at the Covent Garden Theatre after an invitation from the manager John Rich. She soon moved to the rival Drury Lane theater, managed by David Garrick, became known for her "breeches roles" (male characters performed by women) and established herself as a leading comic actress.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mrs. Woffington
  • Engraver: James McArdell (Irish, Dublin 1729–1765 London)
  • Artist: After Arthur Pond (British, London 1701–1758 London)
  • Sitter: Margaret (Peg) Woffington (Irish, Dublin 1720–1760 London)
  • Date: 1742–65
  • Medium: Mezzotint; first state of two
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 14 3/8 × 10 1/4 in. (36.5 × 26 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.3.1185
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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