Portrait of Mrs Sarah Siddons as 'Mrs Haller' in Kotzebue's 'The Stranger'

Sarah Siddons, the most acclaimed tragic actress of her generation, is portrayed in the guise of Mrs Haller in 'The Stranger', a play by August von Kotzebue. Siddons took on this role at Drury Lane Theatre in 1798 and it became one of her most famous parts. Facing the viewer, Mrs Siddons is illuminated by a bright light which propels her forward, out of the dark shadows in the background.

There are many versions of this portrait: Sir Thomas Lawrence ( 1769-1830) first drew Mrs Siddons in pastel in 1786 and exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1797. After it went on display, Lawrence was criticised for making Mrs Siddons look too young.

Lawrence was an exceptionally prolific portrait painter who was commissioned by, among others, dignitaries and members of royalty, including the Prince Regent (later George III). Although Lawrence was well-known in England, he only acquired European fame after his ambitious project of the Waterloo Chamber portraits at Windsor was completed.