The Character of Puff in The Critic as represented by Thomas King: P.15116-R

Current Location: In storage

Titles

The Character of Puff in The Critic as represented by Thomas King

Maker(s)

Printmaker: Young, John
Publisher: King, Thomas
Painter: Zoffany, Johann Joseph (After)

Entities

Description

After the painting by Zoffany (c.1780; the whereabouts of the original painting are not given in Webster nor is there any listing of this title at the Royal Academy Summer exhibitions. A half-length line engraving by John Goldar after the same composition was published by Bellamy & Robarts in 1789). King played the character of Puff in Richard Brinsley Sheridan's, The Critic at the Drury Lane Theatre in August 1779. Standing full-length in the corner of an empty room/stage. Facing front, head turned and looking towards the left. Holding papers in his left hand to which he points with his right. Holds his hat under his left arm and cane in left hand. Wears long, embroidered frock coat with waistcoat and breeches, buckled shoes and cravat. Wears a short, powdered wig.

Legal notes

Bequeathed by Charles Brinsley Marlay, 1912

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1912) by Marlay, Charles Brinsley

Dating

18th Century#
Production date: 1803-11 AD 1803

Note

Mezzotint. Published state with closed letters. Trimmed to the platemark. Artists' names engraved at lower left: 'Painted by J. Zoffany' and lower right: 'Engraved by Jno Young Engraver in Mezzotinto to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales'. Title engraved in lowercase italics and uppercase closed letters: 'The Character of PUFF in the CRITIC, as represented by / THOMAS KING, / Who with most profound respect. & the utmost gratitude. Dedicates this Print. to those Illustrious Encouragers of the Liberal Arts, / [in closed gothic letters] Their Royal Highnesses the Duke & Duchess of York.'. Publication line engraved below: 'London Novr. 1803 Published by Thos. King. No. 9. New Store Street. Bedford Square.' Inscribed in graphite on the verso: 'CBM [Charles Brinsley Marlay]'.