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 ...

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