Description
Book SynopsisJim Davis explores the relationship between comic performance and the visual arts in England c.17801830, focussing on the influence of Hogarth and Wilkie on theatre criticism and portraiture, caricature as critique and the contribution of comic actors to notions of national identity.
Table of ContentsPart I. English Comic Actors and their Representation: 1. The low comic actor; 2. Artists and comic actors; 3. Perspectives on comedy and comic acting; Part II. Humorous as a Sketch by Hogarth: 4. Comedy and caricature: Joseph Munden and Isabella Mattocks; 5. John Liston: caricaturing preachers and cockneys; 6. The low comedian as material object; 7. Caricature, degradation, persona and portraiture; 8. Paintings by George Clint; Part III. Chaste as a Picture by Wilkie: 9. Wilkie, everyday life and the theatre; 10. Acting from nature and observation; 11. John Bannister: 'the best kind of Englishman'; 12. John Emery: 'this Wilkie of Actors'; 13. Actors as artists and connoisseurs; Part IV. Alone I Did It! The Case of Charles Mathews: 14. Charles Mathews 'at home'; 15. Charles Mathews: paintings, portraits and prints; 16. The Harlow portrait of Charles Mathews.