Images(2)

Mrs. Oldfield Decus et Deliciae Theatri.

Dateca. 1760

After work by Jonathan Richardson, Sr. (1667 - 1745)

Engraver Jean Simon (1675 - 1751)

Publisher Jean Simon (1675 - 1751)

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 14 7/8 × 10 3/8in. (37.8 × 26.4cm) Other (Plate): 14 × 9 7/8in. (35.6 × 25.1cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1984-205

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "M.rs Oldfield Decus et Deliciae Theatri./ I. Richardson pinx./ I. Simon fec. & Ex."
In manuscript (iron gall ink): "She was born in Pallmall, in the year 1683. and died at her house in Grosvenor Street on y.e 23. Octo.r 1730. She was interred in Westminster Abbey towards the west end of the South Isle, between the monum.ts of M.r Craggs and M.r Congreve, being elegantly dressed in her coffin, with a very fine Brussel's laced head, a holland shift, with a tucker & dubble ruffles of the same lace, a pair of new kid gloves, and her body wrapped up in a winding sheet"
Label TextAnne Oldfield, one of the highest paid and successful actors of her day, inspired playwrights to write nearly 70 original roles for her. She awed audiences in person and in print with her charm, beauty, and personality. Unlike most women, actresses had a public persona that went beyond the realm of their family and friends. Buried in Westminster Abbey, Oldfield was a household name by the time of her death. Portrait print collecting became a popular hobby at the time. Collectors often included biographical information with their print. In this case a previous owner described Oldfield’s funeral:

“being elegantly dressed in her coffin, with a very fine Brussel's laced head, a holland shift, with a tucker & dubble[sic] ruffles of the same lace, a pair of new kid gloves, and her body wrapped up in a winding sheet.”
Inscribed"She was born in Pallmall, in the year 1683. and died at her house in Grosvenor Street on y.e 23. Octo.r 1730. She was interred in Westminster Abbey towards the west end of the South Isle, between the monum.ts of M.r Craggs and M.r Congreve, being elegantly dressed in her coffin, with a very fine Brussel's laced head, a holland shift, with a tucker & dubble ruffles of the same lace, a pair of new kid gloves, and her body wrapped up in a winding sheet"
ProvenanceBefore 1984, William Hodges (Alexandria, VA); 1984-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA).