David Garrick as King Lear c. 1815

Richard Westall made this oil on canvas portrait of David Garrick as King Lear around the turn of the 19th century. Garrick, a celebrated actor, embodied Shakespeare's tragic hero, Lear. Paintings like this weren't just records, they actively shaped celebrity. The late 18th and early 19th century witnessed a burgeoning culture of fame, fueled by print media and public performances. The Royal Academy, an institution founded in 1768, played a crucial role, providing a venue for artists to exhibit their work and gain recognition. Westall, as an Academician, was part of this system. His portrayal of Garrick tapped into the public's fascination with actors, elevating them to a new social status. To truly understand this portrait, we delve into playbills, reviews, and personal letters, piecing together the cultural landscape that gave it meaning. The painting becomes a window into the social and institutional forces that shaped both art and celebrity in Georgian England.