Nature and Genius Introducing Garrick to the Temple of Shakespeare

1779

British 18th Century, after John Hamilton Mortimer

Associated Names
John Hamilton Mortimer

Artist After, British, 1740 - 1779

The image is an engraving depicting a group of people in a dynamic composition. The central scene shows a full-length view of multiple figures engaging in various actions. One figure sits atop clouds, with one arm raised and holding a trumpet in the other. Several figures are standing and kneeling around a raised platform, interacting with each other. Among them is a man with curly hair being introduced by another figure. Some appear to be pulling or guiding while others look on. The figures are dressed in flowing garments that drape around them. One figure lies on the ground, partially covered by fabric. The background features a cloudy sky. The scene is set within an ornate frame, which is surrounded by a plain border with some decorative text below the image.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Campbell Fine Art, London, 2 August 1992); Donald Vogler, Portland, OR; gift to NGA, 2017.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1986

  • Sunderland, John. "John Hamilton Mortimer: His Life and Works," Walpole Society 52 (1988): no. 152

Inscriptions

lower center in plate: Design'd by I. H. Mortimer / Nature & Genius introducing Garrick to the Temple of Shakespear; / trampling on Envy & Dtraction, while Fame having crown'd Him with~ / Laurels flies to proclaim his unrival'd powers. / Published as the Act directs April 21 1779 at No. 33 Norfolk Street Strand; by later hand, lower left verso in graphite: 8SB 29 IX 102; AN10207

Wikidata ID

Q77259470

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