Mrs. Sarah Siddons, the actress 1785

Thomas Gainsborough’s "Mrs. Sarah Siddons, the actress" (1785) is a portrait of the celebrated English actress Sarah Siddons. The painting, which is now located at the National Gallery in London, captures Siddons in a theatrical pose, dressed in a luxurious gown and adorned with a feathered hat. Gainsborough's masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and dimension, highlighting Siddons's striking features and elegant presence. The painting exemplifies Gainsborough's signature style, characterized by loose brushstrokes and a focus on capturing the subject's personality and spirit.