Richard Cumberland
Maker
George Romney
(British, 1734-1802)
Formerformerly attributed to
Nathaniel Dance-Holland
(British, 1735-1811)
SitterSitter:
Richard Cumberland
(British, 1732 - 1811)
Collections
ClassificationsPAINTINGS
Dateca. 1771
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions29 3/4 x 25 in. (75.6 x 63.5 cm.)
DescriptionSeated, bust length, at writing desk, quill pen in proper right hand, faced turned three quarters left. Dressed in dark blue coat with brass buttons and red collar, white ruffles at cuffs. Dark grey powdered hair. Expression of concentration or inspiration. Sheet of paper with written composition in front of him on desk.
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Bequest of Florence M. Quinn
Label TextRichard Cumberland, the famous playwright, is shown deep in thought, holding pen to paper. Romney was advised by the actor David Garrick to give Cumberland “something to do.” Garrick went on to say, “If you can once set him down well to his writing, who knows but in time he may write something in your praise?” And in fact, Cumberland did write about his friend Romney, publishing the artist’s posthumous memoir in 1803.Status
On viewObject number44.103
