Who painted Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas?

Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas was painted by John Goldar in 21.

Where can I see Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas?

Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas?

Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas?

Museum-quality prints of Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas

John Goldar , 21

Mr Lewis in the character of Douglas is a print by the Romanticist artist John Goldar. It dates from 21 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This print shows an actor named William Thomas Lewis playing a character in a play. The image was made in 1777 and is a print, not a painting.

It was part of a London theater scene where actors took on dramatic roles. The print was published by a company called Lowndes & Partners.

Look up the artist John Goldar next.

Overview

This print, created by John Goldar in 1777, depicts the actor William Thomas Lewis in the role of the title character from the tragedy 'Douglas' by John Home.

This print, created by John Goldar in 1777, depicts the actor William Thomas Lewis in the role of the title character from the tragedy 'Douglas' by John Home. The work captures Lewis in a dramatic pose, embodying the emotional intensity required for the part, a common subject for theatrical prints of the era. Published by Lowndes & Partners in London, the image serves as a visual record of 18th-century stage performance and the popularity of specific actors within the British theater scene.

Goldar, active as a printmaker during this period, specialized in translating theatrical moments into reproducible art, allowing audiences to own an image of their favorite performers. This piece reflects the intersection of visual art and theater in Georgian Britain, where prints were widely circulated to celebrate and document notable productions. The work remains a significant example of how print culture supported and disseminated the fame of actors like Lewis, who was renowned for his tragic roles.

It stands as a historical document of the London stage in the late 1770s, illustrating the cultural importance of theater and the role of printmakers in preserving its legacy.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures Lewis embodying the heroic figure of Douglas, emphasizing the dramatic posture and costume associated with the character. By presenting the actor in costume, the print serves both as a commemoration of a popular stage performance and as a promotional image for the play’s ongoing run.

Technique & Style

Executed as a printed engraving, the image relies on line work and shading to render facial features, attire, and the theatrical backdrop. The style reflects the mid‑century British print tradition, favoring clear delineation and a modest degree of ornamental detail to convey the subject’s likeness without the depth of a painted portrait.

History & Provenance

Issued on 21 June 1777 by Lowndes & Partners, a notable London publisher of theatrical prints, the piece circulated among theatre patrons and admirers of Lewis. Over time it entered the Harry Beard Collection, a private assemblage of eighteenth‑century prints, where it remains documented as a representative example of stage portraiture from the period.