by-nc

Head of a man, probably Ira Frederick Aldridge

Maker

John Simpson (artist)
1782-1847

(engraver)

(publisher)

Title

Head of a man, probably Ira Frederick Aldridge

Date of Production

1853

Medium

Ink on paper

Dimensions

Height: 21.2 cm
Width: 21.2 cm

Accession Number

G.1990.WL.5511

Mode of Acquisition

Witt Library, transfer, 1990

Credit

The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust)

Copyright

Work in the public domain

Location

Not currently on display

Keywords




Notes

This print reproduces an oil painting of a Black man, now identified as the American actor Ira Frederick Aldridge (1807-1867). It was published in the Art Journal in 1853, the artist misidentified as 'W. Simpson', and given the title 'The Negro'. We have chosen to restore the identity of the sitter in the title.

Provenance

previous owner: Witt, Robert Clermont (Sir)

Inscriptions

Inscription: inscription : printed : lower left margin & recto : : W. Simpson, pinxt. //

Inscription: inscription : printed : lower right margin & recto : : W. Hulland, sculpt. //

Inscription: inscription : printed : lower centre margin & recto : : THE NEGRO. //

Inscription: inscription : printed : lower centre margin & recto : : LONDON, J. S. VIRTUE [ampersand] CO. LIMITED. //

Inscription: inscription : stamped : lower centre margin & recto : Hampstead Public Libraries stamp : HAMPSTEAD PUBLIC LIBRARIES / LOCAL COLLECTION. / H. J. CORNISH COLLECTION. / 1928. //

Inscription: inscription : stamped : lower right margin & recto : Witt Library stamp : WITT / LIBRARY //

Information on this object may be incomplete and will be updated as research progresses. We are particularly committed to addressing any discriminatory or offensive language and ideas that might be present in our records. To help improve this record, and to enquire about images of The Courtauld Gallery Collection, please email gallery.collectionsonline@courtauld.ac.ukFind out more about using and licensing our images.

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