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Mrs. Robinson

Artist and publisher William Russell Birch American, born England
After Sir Joshua Reynolds British
April 1, 1792
Not on view
This print is based on Reynolds's portrait of 1783-84 (Wallace Collection, London; Mannings 1532). Writing poetry from the age of seven, and acting from fifteen, Robinson became a star of the London stage in 1776. As Perdita in the Shakespeare's "Winter's Tale," she attracted the attention of George, Prince of Wales who persuaded her to become his mistress, but then left her and failed to deliver promised financial support. A fever left Mary partially paralyzed in 1783 but did not prevent her from writing additional poems, novels, plays, political treatises and essays that led her to become known as the "English Sappho."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mrs. Robinson
  • Artist and publisher: William Russell Birch (American (born England), Warwick 1755–1834 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
  • Artist: After Sir Joshua Reynolds (British, Plympton 1723–1792 London)
  • Sitter: Mary "Perdita" Robinson (British, 1758–1800)
  • Date: April 1, 1792
  • Medium: Stipple engraving with hand coloring; third state of three
  • Dimensions: Plate: 7 15/16 × 6 1/4 in. (20.2 × 15.8 cm)
    Sheet: 9 1/8 × 7 3/8 in. (23.2 × 18.8 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.3.756–1084
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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