Mr. Mathews at Home

Publisher John Limbird British

1822

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. This print shows four of his popular characters: Mr. Ab Llywelynab Llwyd (an overweight Welshman and regular visitor to spas where he attempted to reduce), the Old Scotch Woman (one of Mathew's most popular inventions), the French Valet (as a ventriloquest); and the French Postilion.

Artwork Details

Title: Mr. Mathews at Home
Artist: Isaac Robert Cruikshank (British, London 1789–1856 London)
Publisher: John Limbird (British, 1796–1883)
Subject: Charles Mathews (British, London 1776–1835 Devonport)
Date: 1822
Medium: Etching, hand-colored
Dimensions: Sheet: 7 5/16 × 6 7/16 in. (18.5 × 16.4 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
Object Number: 17.3.888-101
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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