Mr Kean as Richard the Third

Uncoloured theatrical souvenir portrait plate printed with an engraving of the actor Mr Kean in the role of Richard III. Published February 16th 1830, such portraits would have been sold plain as theatrical souvenirs for colouring and tinselling at home.

Edmund Kean's performances as Richard III were some of the most successful of his career, demonstrating his abilties as a tragic actor. Kean played the role at Drury Lane. In 1820 Kean performed as Richgard III in America, before he fell out with the press and returned to London in 1821. Kean's private lifestyle drew criticism, and following a conviction for adultery in London, Kean returned to America in 1825 and played Richard III in New York. Kean continued to play Shakespeare's tragic roles until 1833, when he collapsed onstage during a performance of Othello.