GEORGE ENGLEHEART (1750-1829)
Portrait miniature of William Henry West Betty (1791-1874), ‘The Young Roscius’
Circa 1804/5
Watercolour on ivory
Circular, 45 mm (1 ¾ in) diam.
Gilt metal frame with hairwork reverse
Inscribed in verso:
Through all life's varied scenes preserved
Endear'd by kindred love most true,
This simple braid, with fond regard,
Affection's glistening eye shall view.1
SOLD
This profile portrait - suitable in its neoclassicism to portray ‘The Young Roscius’ - was likely painted by Engleheart in London in 1804. His London performances of this year were infected by ‘Bettymania,’ with stories of audiences trampling the royal boxes being well-recorded. The young actor began to earn up to £1200 a night for his performances, with the nation so infatuated with the young boy that, when he fell ill after his first London season, there were demands for daily updates on his health. Multiple memoirs of the life of the actor soon appeared, which have resulted in a somewhat confusing narrative of his life, given that none were official. However, the quantity of information that Betty’s fans craved reflects the level of interest in the boy’s life. Not only were people interested in seeing him perform, but also in understanding his beginnings and learning more about who he was as a person.
The phenomenon of ‘Bettymania’ has been the subject of much debate. Though Master Betty was seen as a talented actor, it has also been said that people’s obsession with him, across the country, came from a sense of knowing Betty, as if he were a member of one’s family.[2] Engleheart’s miniature is clearly in a different league from much of the merchandise produced around the child star, suggesting that it was either commissioned by a particularly wealthy fan, or by a member of Betty’s family. The bust format may relate to one of the many sculptures created in the wake of Betty’s sudden celebrity. In 1805, two portraits of ‘The Young Roscius’ were displayed at the Royal Academy exhibition, by John Opie (1761-1807) and James Northcote (1746-1831). Unlike this miniature, these are both full-length portraits, and present Betty in costume.
Comparable examples of Engleheart’s work include his unfinished drawing of Sir Robert Abercromby (1784-1855) and numerous examples of his portraits of women in profile.[3] One of Engleheart’s most important commissions was in profile - that of Napoleon I (1769-1821), Emperor of France 1804-1814/1815, as First Consul 1799-1804, painted circa 1801.[4]
Though the picture painted here may seem one of unfailing praise, Betty was not without his critics. Some of the most famous actors of the preceding period, including David Garrick, and Sarah Siddons (who is often quoted as being the first influence for Betty’s acting), refused to perform opposite him. Though it may seem unfair to show disdain towards a young boy, he was becoming popular at a time when both of these actors were becoming older and less exciting than them. Between 1804 and 1806, Betty performed over 100 shows in London.[5] In many of these, he played Shakespearean roles, including Hamlet, Romeo, and Macbeth. Betty’s fame was, however, short lived. Two years after his debut, in 1806, he was received on the stage of Drury Lane by a hostile audience who booed him.[6] Two years later, in 1808, he would ‘retire’ at the age of 17.[7]
[1] This inscription notes the hair held in the reverse of the miniature, presumably that of Master Betty’s and greatly valued by the recipient of the miniature, who notes the ‘kindred love’ with the sitter.
[2] J. Kahan, Bettymania and the Death of Celebrity Culture, Historical Social Research / Historische Sozialforschung. Supplement, No. 32, Supplement: Celebrity’s Histories: Case Studies & Critical Perspectives (2019), p.146.
[3] Previously with The Limner Company.
[4] Sold Christie’s, London, Centuries of Style, Silver, European Ceramics, Portrait Miniatures and Gold Boxes, 26-27 November 2013, lot 142 (the version which was likely retained by the artist).
[5] J. Kahan, Bettymania and the Birth of Celebrity Culture, Bethlehem, 2010, p. 157-163.
[6] Ibid. p.103.
[7] Betty returned to the stage later, aged 20, though this was not a great success.
shipping notice
Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.
The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.
Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer .
GEORGE ENGLEHEART
(1750-1829)Portrait miniature of William Henry West Betty (1791-1874), ‘The Young Roscius’
shipping notice
The item added to cart contains materials from endangered or protected species. The Limner Company cannot arrange for the delivery of artworks containing ivory,
tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl outside of the UK due to import restrictions. The buyer or designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale.
You are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of any items made from or containing certain endangered or protected species (such as ivory, tortoiseshell, or mother of pearl), while other countries will require a permit (e.g. a CITES licence). Such permits must be obtained from the relevant regulatory body in both the country of importation and exportation. If you intend to import such items into another country you should familiarise yourself with the relevant customs regulations and laws before purchase. Delays or refusal of import or export of such works shall not permit cancellation of a sale. It is your responsibility to satisfy any laws or regulations applying to the import or export of any work containing such protected species. For further information on the protected species listed please visit the CITES website:http://www.cites.org/. For further information about import and export regulations please visit:http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/imports-exports/cites/. On request, the Company can assist with or apply for a license on your behalf.
Please contact us to discuss shipping options..
checkout details
Your basket exceeds the allowed online transaction limit of £10,000. Please remove an item from your basket to continue to checkout. Successive online sales totalling £10,000 are also prohibited. Please get in touch if you would like to move forward with the purchase in accordance with anti-money laundering regulation.
Under the terms of the anti-money laundering regulation we are required to conduct customer due diligence (CDD) on all sales of works of art over £10,000 before the transaction is carried out. While therefore we may agree to such a sale in principle, we will not be able to conclude (i.e. receive funds, give up possession or transfer title) it until we have received all the necessary CDD information from you and have been able to verify it as required by the regulation.
shipping TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Worldwide shipping is included in all prices.
The Limner Company does not accept any responsibility for import duty, this is to be paid by the buyer.
See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations.
Please contact us to discuss shipping options.
Some stock items contain materials from endangered species which are governed by CITES regulations and will
require a permit to export outside of Great Britain. If a certificate of export is required then this will be
the responsibility of and paid for by the buyer.
See Section 7.5 in Terms & Conditions for information on export/import regulations.
Please contact us to discuss shipping options.
you may also like
