Mrs Sarah Siddons, née Sarah Kemble, as 'Mrs Haller' in Kotzebue's 'The Stranger' 1789

Thomas Lawrence's 1789 portrait of Sarah Siddons as 'Mrs Haller' in Kotzebue's play 'The Stranger' is a captivating example of Neoclassical portraiture. Siddons, a renowned Shakespearean actress, is depicted in a simple yet elegant white gown and a white turban, a costume that reflects the play's themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. Lawrence's masterful brushstrokes and subtle use of light highlight Siddons' captivating gaze and emotional depth, capturing her essence as a prominent figure in 18th-century theater. The dark background adds to the drama, creating a stark contrast that emphasizes the subject's presence.