The Mathew-Orama for 1824 - or - "Pretty Considerable d-d particular" Tit Bits from America - being "All Well at Natchitoches"

April 15, 1824

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 actor made as successful trip to America in 1822-23 and this print responds to an entertainment he presented upon his return at the Lyceum in 1824. Fourteen American characters that Matthews embodied on stage appear before a background intended for an American town in winter. The words of songs delivered by each appears below.

Artwork Details

Title: The Mathew-Orama for 1824 - or - "Pretty Considerable d-d particular" Tit Bits from America - being "All Well at Natchitoches"
Artist: George Cruikshank (British, London 1792–1878 London)
Publisher: George Humphrey (British, 1773?–1831?)
Subject: Charles Mathews (British, London 1776–1835 Devonport)
Date: April 15, 1824
Medium: Etching
Dimensions: Plate: 10 13/16 × 14 7/8 in. (27.5 × 37.8 cm)
Sheet: 13 1/8 × 17 3/16 in. (33.3 × 43.7 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
Object Number: 17.3.888-211
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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