John Philip Kemble (1757–1823), as Richard in 'Richard III' by William Shakespeare 1788

This 1788 portrait by William Hamilton depicts the renowned English actor John Philip Kemble as Richard III, a character from Shakespeare's play of the same name. The painting captures Kemble in a moment of dramatic intensity, his expression a mixture of fear and defiance as he gestures with a raised hand, perhaps mirroring the character's infamous line, "My kingdom for a horse!" The theatrical pose and the backdrop suggestive of a stage setting highlight the importance of Kemble's performance and the popularity of Shakespearean theater during this era.