In Tate Britain
- 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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