Mr. Mathews in his "At Home" of 1821
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 characters this print relate to his 1821 "At Home" and include Daniel O'Rourke (an Irish sailor), Mrs. Tulip (a tall and lusty widow), Monsieur Jeu-singe (a French trainer of dancing dogs), Isaac Tabinel (a Jewish merchant), Major Longbow (an aeoronaut), and Theophilus Tulip (Mrs. Tulip's ineffectual son).
Artwork Details
- Title: Mr. Mathews in his "At Home" of 1821
- Series/Portfolio: British Stage
- Artist: Isaac Robert Cruikshank (British, London 1789–1856 London)
- Subject: Charles Mathews (British, London 1776–1835 Devonport)
- Date: April 1821
- Medium: Etching, hand-colored
- Dimensions: Sheet: 8 3/8 × 5 1/16 in. (21.3 × 12.9 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
- Object Number: 17.3.888-94
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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