Sir Thomas Lawrence

John Philip Kemble as Hamlet

1801

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In Tate Britain

Walk Through British Art: 1780

Free entry

Artist: Sir Thomas Lawrence 1769–1830
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 3061 × 1981 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by King William IV 1836
Reference: N00142

Display caption

Kemble was one of the most successful English actors of his time. This painting shows him in the starring role of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It was one of four large canvases that Lawrence painted of Kemble in various dramatic roles.
All four works were exhibited at the Royal Academy. Their size meant that they could be been seen above the heads of the crowd. This was a strategy often used by artists to make sure they gained the attention of the press.

Gallery label, July 2019

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