Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson as Ananias in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2
- Artist: Peter van Bleeck
- Date: 1748
- Medium: hand-coloured mezzotint
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Benjamin Griffin
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
Before you is a hand‑coloured mezzotint by Peter van Bleeck, printed in 1748 from a 1738 original. The figure occupies the centre and looks straight ahead. Benjamin Griffin – who acted and wrote plays – is shown in full costume as Ananias, the alchemist’s servant, from Ben Jonson’s comedy. He wears a wide‑brimmed hat and a ruff at his collar, hinting at 17th‑century stage attire. The print’s soft tones come from mezzotint shading, while van Bleeck added gentle washes of colour to give depth. In all, it feels like a snapshot of a lively drama scene.
See it in person
Benjamin ('Ben') Johnson as Ananias in Ben Jonson's 'The Alchemist' Act III, Scene 2 is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
