Henry Woodard in 'Petruchio'
- Artist: James Gamble
- Artist: John Raphael Smith
- Artist: Benjamin Vandergucht
- Date: 1774
- Medium: mezzotint
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Henry Woodward
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In this mezzotint from 1774 you see Henry Woodward—an actor born in 1714—portrayed as Petruchio, the lead of Shakespeare’s *The Taming of the Shrew*. The print was made by James Gamble and published by John Raphael Smith based on a painting by Benjamin Vandergucht. It was first printed 10 September 1774. Notice how the mezzotint technique gives soft shadows around Woodward’s face and the intricate hat he wears—typical head attire of the era. The figure is framed by simple dark borders that focus attention on the actor’s expression.
See it in person
Henry Woodard in 'Petruchio' 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.
