This portrait titled “Charles Taylor” shows the actor and singer in a fine suit. The image was first painted by Samuel De Wilde, then reproduced with stipple engraving by William Ridley and published by Vernor & Hood on 31 July 1805. The stipple technique gives the face a soft texture while keeping sharp detail around the eyes and mouth. You’ll notice Taylor’s head turned slightly left, his relaxed expression, and the subtle background that frames him. It is a fine example of early nineteenth‑century portrait reproduction.
Charles Taylor 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.