John Quick as Spado in O'Keefe's 'Castle of Andalucia'
- Artist: Gainsborough Dupont
- Artist: William Ridley
- Artist: Vernor & Hood
- Date: 1802
- Medium: stipple
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: John Quick
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is a stippled portrait of the celebrated actor John Quick in his role as Spado from O’Keefe’s “Castle of Andalucia.” The image was published by Vernor & Hood on 30 January 1802, and it was made after a painting by Gainsborough Dupont. Dupont, who lived from 1754 to 1797, was also a mezzotint engraver, so the final work is an engraved reproduction of his original composition.
Look at how William Ridley’s stippling creates depth with tiny dots rather than broad strokes. The light catches on Quick’s hat and feathered headgear, revealing the texture of the brim. His face is rendered in profile, a common approach for actors of that era, letting us see his characteristic expression while he portrays Spado. The background shows only a subtle hint of scenery, keeping focus on the performer.
John Quick (1748‑1831) was a popular stage comic, and this portrait is one of twelve known to depict him in character. Dupont’s original painting would have had more color; the stipple engraving translates that into delicate tonal shading. The piece sits comfortably in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection as NPG L269.B7.27, celebrating early 19th‑century portraiture and theatrical culture.
See it in person
John Quick as Spado in O'Keefe's 'Castle of Andalucia' 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.
