19Th Century Oil Portrait Mrs Sarah Siddons After Gainsborough

19th Century Oil Portrait of Sarah Siddons After Gainsborough

English School | Circa 1840 | Oil on Board | Framed Under Museum Glass

A beautifully executed 19th-century oil portrait of Sarah Siddons (1755–1831)—the celebrated actress of the Georgian stage—painted after the iconic 1785 original by Thomas Gainsborough. This finely painted work offers both decorative grandeur and historical resonance, making it an ideal statement piece for classical or period-inspired interiors.

The Subject
Siddons, a legendary tragic actress of her time, is portrayed seated in elegant repose, wearing a blue striped gown, yellow mantle, and a distinctive black beaver hat with ostrich plumes. A fox-fur muff rests in her lap, enhancing the richness of texture and materiality. The sitter is rendered with poise and quiet strength, captured not in character but as herself—dignified, refined, and intellectually luminous.

Artistic Details
Oil on millboard, circa 1840
Attributed to the English School, painted after Gainsborough
Rich palette of cerulean, ochre, and crimson tones
Confident brushwork in the drapery; soft, blended handling in the face
Evocative of the Grand Manner portrait tradition, with a focus on mood and grace
The background is a warm reddish-brown tone, enhancing the sense of depth and intimacy
Frame & Presentation
Housed in an ornate Larson-Juhl gilt frame with sculpted profile, newly fitted for contemporary display. Protected behind AR70 museum-grade glass, providing UV protection and exceptional visual clarity.

Dimensions (framed): 41 cm high x 34 cm wide x 2 cm deep
Ready to hang
Condition
Presents well with light craquelure and minor foxing in keeping with its age. Professional touch-ups to the background edges, subtly executed. The sitter remains intact and beautifully preserved, with a cohesive and richly textured surface throughout.

Provenance
Labelled verso by GEO Rowney & Co., Rathbone Place, London
Acquired from Northern Shire Antiques & Fine Art
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant
Previously exhibited at a middle shire Museum, known for British portraiture
Why We Love It
A fine decorative portrait with notable literary and theatrical heritage, this work brings together elegant composition, historical depth, and 19th-century craftsmanship. It sits beautifully in both period interiors and eclectic, layered schemes—ideal for designers and collectors alike.

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