Mrs Siddons as the Tragic Muse 

Joshua Reynolds painted Mrs. Siddons as the Tragic Muse around the 1780s, likely in oil. Siddons, the most celebrated tragic actress of her time, is elevated here to the status of a classical muse. Reynolds was the first president of the Royal Academy and sought to create a distinctly British school of painting. He believed in the Grand Manner, elevating portraiture to the level of history painting. The portrayal of Siddons draws heavily from classical imagery. The figures of Tragedy and Comedy behind Siddons, the throne-like chair, and the dramatic lighting all contribute to the sense of theatricality and grandeur. The painting reflects the growing importance of celebrity culture in late 18th-century Britain, and the increasing status of actors and actresses. Art historians draw on playbills, theatre reviews, and personal letters to fully understand the cultural context of this artwork. The painting prompts questions about the relationship between art, theatre, and society.