Mr. Woodwarde in Character of ye Fine Gentlemen in Lethe

Date1740-1765

After work by Francis Hayman (c. 1708 - 1776)

Engraver James McArdell (1710 - 1765)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving with line engraving

DimensionsOverall: 14 1/2 × 10 1/2in. (36.8 × 26.7cm) Other (Plate): 13 7/8 × 9 7/8in. (35.2cm, 9 7/8in.)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1973-318

DescriptionLower margin reads: "F. Hayman Delin./ J.M.cArdell Fecit/ M.r Woodwarde/ in the Character of y.e Fine Gentleman, in LETHE./ London Printed for I Ryall & R Withy. at Hogarth's Head in Flet Street."
Label TextHenry Woodward (1714-1777) was a successful English actor known for his comedic performances. This print shows him as “The Fine Gentleman” one of his most celebrated characters from David Garrick's first play Lethe, or, Esop in Shades which was first performed in London on April 15, 1740. Woodward’s character, dressed in an absurd outfit, pokes fun at wealthy Englishmen who traveled through Europe on what was known as the Grand Tour. Upon their return, these men adopted foreign dress, customs, and tastes. The play, popular in the colonies, was performed in New York, Philadelphia, Annapolis, and Charleston.

James MacArdell’s print is based on a watercolor by Francis Hayman in collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. Prints were not the only way to own a representation of your favorite celebrity, though they served as the inspiration for decorative arts. 1968-228

The Bow Porcelain Factory created a ceramic figure based on this print. See 1968-228.
ProvenanceBefore 1973, Elizabeth T. Trump (Flourtown, PA); 1973-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).