Who painted T. Lee as O'Rafferty in Born to Good Luck, ?

T. Lee as O'Rafferty in Born to Good Luck, was painted by Unknown in 1847.

Where can I see T. Lee as O'Rafferty in Born to Good Luck, ?

T. Lee as O'Rafferty in Born to Good Luck, is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is T. Lee as O'Rafferty in Born to Good Luck, ?

T. Lee as O'Rafferty in Born to Good Luck, is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

T. Lee as O'Rafferty in <i>Born to Good Luck,</i>

Unknown , 1847

T. Lee as O'Rafferty in <i>Born to Good Luck,</i> is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1847 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1847 print presents the actor T.

About this work

Overview

This 1847 print presents the actor T. Lee in the role of O'Rafferty from the stage comedy *Born to Good Luck*. Issued by the *Theatrical Times* in London, the image captures a single figure in full costume, offering a concise visual record of mid‑nineteenth‑century theatrical presentation.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait focuses on Lee’s portrayal of O'Rafferty, a character noted for his swagger and charm. By emphasizing the actor’s confident stance and the elaborate dress, the print underscores the performative confidence expected of leading men in popular comedies of the era.

Technique & Style

Executed as a printed illustration, the work relies on line work and stippling to render the intricate patterns of the costume’s fabric. The contrast between dark outlines and lighter shading creates a sense of depth, while the attention to ornamental detail reflects the period’s taste for decorative theatrical imagery.

History & Provenance

Originally circulated in the *Theatrical Times* as a promotional image, the print later entered the private holdings of the Harry Beard Collection. Its survival in this collection has ensured its availability for scholarly study and public exhibition.

Context

Printed during a flourishing period for London’s theatrical press, the image illustrates how newspapers and magazines documented stage productions. Such prints served both as advertisements for upcoming performances and as visual souvenirs for audiences eager to recall the spectacle of the playhouse.