Colley Cibber
- Artist: Benjamin Rackstrow (or Rackstraw)
- Date: circa 1740
- Medium: painted plaster bust
- Dimensions: 27 1/8 in. x 20 1/8 in. (690 mm x 510 mm) overall
- Portrays: Colley Cibber
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
Colley Cibber – actor, playwright and theatre manager – appears here as a painted plaster bust from circa 1740. Rackstrow (or Rackstraw) made the work, known for coloured plaster models. The head is rendered in bright coloured plaster; the wig he wears hints at his comic stage roles, like Sir Novelty Fashion. A subtle smile suggests confidence. In 1742 Pope dubbed him “King of Dunces” in Dunciad. Cibber’s portrait was once kept at Strawberry Hill, Walpole’s house.
See it in person
Colley Cibber 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.
