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Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd
Tel : 07494 763382
Email : cheshireantiquesconsultant@gmail.com
Web : www.cheshireantiquesconsultant.com/
Web : www.antiques-atlas.com/cheshireantiquesconsultant/
By appointment only
71-75 Shelton Street,
Covent Garden,
London, England WC2H 9JQ
Viewings are by appointment only.
Oil Painting Mrs Sarah Siddons After Gainsborough
Photos
Description
Subject & MediumThis exquisite oil-on-mill-d board portrait features Sarah Siddons (née Kemble), the legendary tragedienne of the Georgian stage. Painted circa 1840 during the early Victorian era, this work is a refined English School interpretation of Thomas Gainsborough’s iconic 1785 portrait. Executed in rich oil, it preserves the elegance and dignity of the original while adding 19th-century character.
Composition & Technique
The composition presents Siddons seated in quiet grandeur, turned slightly left, poised against a darkened, reddish-brown background that evokes warmth and theatrical intimacy. She wears a lustrous blue striped gown, offset by a yellow mantle and a striking black beaver hat with ostrich feathers. A fox-fur muff rests gently in her lap, grounding the opulent textures of the fabric.
The palette is regal yet restrained: deep cerulean blues, muted golden ochres, and rich crimson shadows frame her luminous skin. Brushwork is both fluid and expressive—the artist achieves drapery movement through confident, sweeping strokes, while the sitter’s face is modeled with soft, subtle blending, achieving lifelike delicacy. Textural contrasts between fabrics, fur, and feather add depth and sophistication. Inspired by the Grand Manner portrait tradition, the artist emphasizes atmosphere and presence over strict realism.
About the Sitter
Sarah Siddons (1755–1831) was Britain’s most celebrated tragic actress, hailed for her powerful performances and regal stage presence. Born into the Kemble theatrical dynasty, she rose from provincial theatres to dominate the London stage, especially in her defining role as Lady Macbeth.
Her profound emotional range and commanding voice moved audiences deeply—including aristocrats and royalty. Off-stage, Siddons was seen as the epitome of virtue, intellect, and dignified femininity. This portrait uniquely presents her as herself, not in character—elegant, poised, and intellectually radiant—a woman whose presence commanded as much admiration in salons as it did on the stage.
About the Artist & Signature
While unsigned, this painting is confidently attributed to the English School and the artist closely follows the style of after Gainsborough’s original 1785 composition. Rather than a literal copy, the artist interprets with personal flair—emphasizing mood and surface texture in keeping with mid-19th-century academic practices. The restrained, painterly execution demonstrates a strong grounding in the British portrait tradition.
Frame:
This work is mounted in a newly fitted, ornate Larson-Juhl frame, finished in gold foil with a sculpted reserve profile, echoing the opulence of the sitter’s era. A new AR70 museum-grade glass cover ensures UV protection and exceptional clarity for safe, long-term display.
Provenance
Private Collection
GEO Rowney & Co, Rathbone Place, London
Northern Shire Antiques & Fine Art Dealer
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant
Exhibited at the Lord Hill Museum, known for showcasing notable British heritage artworks
Why You’ll Love It
Historic Elegance – A 19th-century tribute to Gainsborough’s iconic portrait.
Famous Sitter – Depicts legendary actress Sarah Siddons in regal fashion.
Timeless Style – Rich colours, soft brushwork, and graceful composition.
Gallery-Ready – Comes framed with museum-grade protective glass.
Proven Provenance – Exhibited, curated, and held in respected collections.
Collector’s Gem – A striking mix of art history and theatrical legacy.
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Registered Office Address
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom, WC2H 9JQ
Company Number 15666518
GB VAT registration number 466128775
Making Payment
Goods can be bought by either International bank wire transfer or domestic BACS payment we can email you an invoice together with our banking instructions. Cash upon collection is also accepted. Shipping is with insurance cover. Import duty and taxes payable by the buyer please enquire if you need any assistance. Delivery time is usually within 2 weeks for International and 1 week for domestic shipping approximate. It can be faster depending upon the size and weight of the item(s) that you ordering from us. You are also welcome to arrange for your own courier to collect as long as we have received full cleared bank transfer payment.
Shipping information
We offer Free Delivery to Mainland England, Wales mainland & Scottish lowlands mainland areas only!
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
Scottish Highlands & all islands also for International buyers please get in touch for an international shipping quote thankyou. Our preferred Payment is by by BACS Bank Transfer, we can also accept stripe, amazon pay, google pay & paypal.
Confirmation of delivery is provided by email or text message, which includes a courier tracking number and date of posting or collection. Shipping costs are charged based upon the type of shipping service used, either express, standard or economy services and size and weight of item.
Delivery by parcel courier within the UK Mainland will be used for all smalls, paintings & all furniture items allow between 2 to 5 working days delivery time. Online tracking can be provided. International delivery airfreight is available estimated delivery times between 5 to 14 working days approximate upon request by providing your full name and address together with a postal area or zip code and a contact phone number.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs clearance and any other charges which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
Terms and conditions
For International buyers please contact us before you order as shipping costs are additional please request a shipping quote, also to advise that any import duty taxes due are additional and are payable by the buyer.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
For both domestic & International buyers please get in touch for a shipping quote thankyou. Our payment method is by BACS Bank Transfer for UK domestic clients and for International clients payment is preferred by international bank wire transfer. We no longer accept any Online Card or in person card payments due to payment providers charging us and not returning the processing transaction fee even if an order is fraudulent, cancelled or returned. All Item(s) will need to be settled by bank transfer only. We will email you a proforma invoice with our bank details.
For International buyers Payment is required within 3 calendar days of the sale being agreed.
If payment is not received within this time. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD reserves the right to consider selling the item (s) to another customer at its discretion.
Deposit payments are accepted, however shipping will not take place until the balance has been paid in full and to advise deposit payments are non refundable.
Upgrades & Exchanges are also offered please ask.
Returns are accepted within 14 days of receipt. The buyer is solely responsible for paying the entire costs of the outbound & return shipping costs also any import costs & duty taxes due. Return authorisation should be requested by sending an email before posting. Once we receive the item in good order as supplied not withstanding notified transit damage, we will return partial refund payment using the same payment method less our shipping costs. For any Refunds given the refund amount will have our cost of the outbound shipping costs deducted.
Customs Payment & Brexit
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD operates on a Delivery Duty Unpaid (DDU) basis which means that the International buyer is responsible for any import duties, taxes & customs which may be necessary to release an order from international customs.
Following the UK leaving the EU on 1st January 2021 (BREXIT) there have been some changes to customs & duty charges for EU customers. Tax and import duty varies from country to country so we recommend you check with your local tax office to see if any fees will be payable.
If the customer refuses to pay any duty and customs charges and the parcel is returned to sender all shipping charges will be deducted from any refund.
DateEarly Victorian :
1840
DimensionsFrame Dimensions: 41 cm high x 34 cm wide x 2 cm deep
Ready to hang and admire.
ConditionCondition
The work remains structurally sound with visible craquelure and foxing staining, appropriate for its age. Having paint touch-ups are visible along the outer edges of the background but have been executed with care, preserving the sitter’s features and integrity. Surface texture remains vibrant and cohesive.
Codeas1013a1221
Price £12500.00 
€14313.75 
$16855.00 
The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 23/DEC/2025.
Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.StatusFor Sale SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd Telephone07494 763382Non UK callers :+44 7494 763382 Emailcheshireantiquesconsultant@gmail.com
€14313.75 
$16855.00 
The price has been listed in British Pounds.Conversion rates as of 23/DEC/2025.
Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.StatusFor Sale SellerCheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd Telephone07494 763382Non UK callers :+44 7494 763382 Emailcheshireantiquesconsultant@gmail.com
Contact
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