Samuel Lover, Irish, 1797-1868
Title: Portrait of Eliza O'Neill, (1791-1872) Actress, as Juliet
Date: c.1830s
Medium: Watercolour with gum arabic on paper
Dimensions:
17 x 13 cm
Credit Line: Purchased, 2008
Object Number: NGI.2008.84
DescriptionThe celebrated Irish-born actress Eliza O’Neill famously appeared in the role of Juliet at Covent Garden in 1814. O’Neill enchanted her audiences and was fêted as successor to Mrs Siddons as a tragedienne. Her graceful femininity and extreme sensibility were greatly admired by an enthusiastic public, and stories were told of men borne fainting from the theatre after witnessing her performances. Samuel Lover’s delight in detailing fancy dress and literary themes in his miniature portraits is evident here in the Shakespearian subject and medieval style costume.
ProvenancePurchased, Whyte's, Dublin, 28th April 2008, Important Irish Art Sale, lot 145
Inscriptionon gilt mount: MISS O'NEILL,/AS "JULIET"/BY S. LOVER.