Actrice Margaret Woffington als Phebe

About this artwork

height 351 mm x width 250 mm

Art Historical Context

This 1747 engraving by Pieter van Bleeck captures the celebrated Irish actress Margaret “Peg” Woffington in the role of Phebe, a character drawn from the pastoral comedy of the period. Van Bleeck, a Dutch-born artist who worked extensively in London, specialized in theatrical portraits that bridged the worlds of stage and fine art. The modest dimensions of the print—351 by 250 millimetres—made it suitable for personal collections or albums, allowing enthusiasts to own a memento of a favourite performer. In the mid-eighteenth century, engravings played a vital role in shaping public images of actors and actresses. Woffington’s lively stage presence and cross-dressing roles had made her one of London’s most talked-about stars; prints such as this one extended her fame beyond the playhouse. The crisp lines of the engraving medium translate the textures of costume and expression with clarity, preserving both the likeness and the theatrical moment for audiences who might never have seen the performance in person. Today the work offers a window into Georgian theatrical culture and the growing celebrity of performers, reminding us how prints helped turn fleeting stage appearances into enduring cultural icons.

About the Artist

Pieter van Bleeck · 1700–1764

Probably born in the Hague. He was a painter of portraits and is particularly remembered for his portraits of actors in their roles. He was also an engraver and made engravings after works by Murillo, van Dyck, Rembrandt, Lely, and others. Comment on works: Portraits; theatrical scenes