Edmund Kean as Richard III
- Artist: Clement Chapple
- Artist: Samuel De Wilde
- Artist: James Heath
- Date: 1814
- Medium: stipple
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Edmund Kean
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is “Edmund Kean as Richard III.” The face of the actor‑turned‐king is rendered with delicate stippling – a technique that gives a soft texture to skin, fabric and fur. Notice the rich livery chain across his chest and the heavy collar that frames his profile. He wears a deep velvet cloak studded with gold, while small pieces of lanyard dangle from his belt. The portrait was produced by Clement Chapple, engraved by James Heath, and printed on 12th June 1814 after Samuel De Wilde’s design. Kean (1787‑1833) brought this historical role to life on the stage, and here he carries it forward into a painted likeness.
See it in person
Edmund Kean as Richard III 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.
