Benjamin Griffin as Tribulatio 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
In this portrait, Benjamin Griffin appears as Tribulatio from Ben Jonson’s *The Alchemist*, Act III, Scene 2. He is framed by a modest backdrop that suggests books and libraries – hinting at a stage set – while he wears the character’s hat and costume, his face turned slightly toward us. The image was produced by hand‑coloured mezzotint in 1748, based on an earlier work from 1738, so the delicate tones come from careful engraving and pigment. Peter van Bleeck created it; he worked with several actors for portrait series. Griffin had seven such portraits made during his life (1680–1740). The print was loaned by John Murray.
See it in person
Benjamin Griffin as Tribulatio 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.
