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Mathew-orama for 1825--or--"My Memorandum Book" make every body Comfortable that's my way"

Publisher George Humphrey British
Subject Charles Mathews British
April 1825
Not on view
Mathews was an acclaimed comic actor hugely popular in London between 1818 and 1834. His talents for mimicry, facial and physical contortion, and ventriloquism were used to embody multiple characters and poke fun at a range of social and national types. His annual "At Homes" (one-man theatrical performances that presented roles in quick succession) featured a range of accents, quick costume changes, and songs and were avidly anticipated theatrical events each Spring. The 1825 performance, titled the "Crown In-n Danger," inspired this print which shows Mathews standing at center behind a table accompanied by twelve of his characters. These include, from left to right: Mr. Allbut (a fortunate youth), the latter's friend (a man of words), Mr. Christopher Chyle (uncle to Alum), Brigadier General Babington, Mr. King (landlord of the Crown Inn), Nat Glibb (waiter), Mathews, Old Startle, Mr. Metheusalem, Friaswaffer (a tenderhearted German Cook), Mr. Alum (a writing chemist), Brother Simper (of the Loyal Laughing Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons), Molly Gramachree (an Itinerant from the Emerald Isle carrying her son Thady).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mathew-orama for 1825--or--"My Memorandum Book" make every body Comfortable that's my way"
  • Artist: Isaac Robert Cruikshank (British, London 1789–1856 London)
  • Publisher: George Humphrey (British, 1773?–1831?)
  • Subject: Charles Mathews (British, London 1776–1835 Devonport)
  • Published in: London
  • Date: April 1825
  • Medium: Etching and aquatint
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 10 3/4 × 14 3/4 in. (27.3 × 37.4 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.3.888-99
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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Miss Horton as Morgana, Isaac Robert Cruikshank British, Watercolor, pen and black ink, over graphite
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Mr. Mathews, as Miss Evelina Evergreen in his Trip to Paris
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Mathews's Trip to America
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Mr. Mathews, as Miss Evelina Evergreen
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