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John Philip Kemble as Coriolanus
Thomas Lawrence·1798
Historical Context
Lawrence painted John Philip Kemble as Coriolanus around 1798, depicting the greatest actor of the Georgian stage in one of his most celebrated roles. Kemble's dignified, statuesque acting style was perfectly suited to Shakespeare's Roman plays, and his Coriolanus was considered his supreme achievement. Lawrence, who was fascinated by theatrical personalities, painted Kemble several times in different roles. The portrait captures both the actor and the character — Kemble's imposing physical presence merging with Coriolanus's patrician pride. Now in the Guildhall Art Gallery, the painting documents the intersection of theater and fine art in Georgian London, where actors and painters moved in the same social circles.
Technical Analysis
Lawrence captures Kemble's commanding physical presence in full Roman costume, using a bold palette of reds and golds. The dramatic pose and theatrical lighting emphasize the actor's famous ability to embody classical nobility on stage.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the Roman costume: Kemble wears the costume of a patrician general, and Lawrence renders the red tunic and gold armor with saturated richness.
- ◆Look at the theatrical lighting: strong chiaroscuro creates the dramatic stage atmosphere that Lawrence uses for all his Kemble theatrical portraits.
- ◆Observe Kemble's commanding physical presence: his statuesque bearing made him ideal for Roman roles that required noble stillness.
- ◆Find the bold pose of Coriolanus's patrician pride: the portrait captures the famous moment of the character's disdain for the Roman mob.
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