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Miss Rafter in the Character of Phillida

1729–33
Not on view
This mezzotint portrays the actress who achieved fame as Kitty Clive before her marriage, so still known as Miss Raftor. She appears as the shepherdess in Colley Cibber's "Damon and Phillida" looking over her shoulder as she holds a wreath over the head of her beloved, the shepherd Damon. He has taken off his hat and prepares to kiss her. Text below mistakenly attributes the image to the Dutch artist Godfried Schalken who died before Clive was born. Colley Cibber's one act opera was first performed in 1729 and its success depended on the actress's skills (she continued to play Phillida for over two decades).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Miss Rafter in the Character of Phillida
  • Engraver: Anonymous, British, 18th century
  • Artist: Wrongly said to be after Godfried Schalcken (Dutch, Made 1643–1706 The Hague)
  • Sitter: Catherine Clive (née Raftor) (British, London 1711–1785 Twickenham)
  • Subject: Associated with Colley Cibber (British, 1671–1757)
  • Date: 1729–33
  • Medium: Mezzotint
  • Dimensions: Plate: 12 11/16 × 8 7/8 in. (32.3 × 22.6 cm)
    Sheet: 16 7/16 × 11 1/8 in. (41.7 × 28.2 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.3.756-1231
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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