Thornthwaite, J.. Mrs. Farren as the queen [in Shakespeare's] King Richard II, act 3, scene 4

Burnim, K.A. John Bell: no. 28
Folger bibliographic ID: 270765
Folger call number: ART Vol. d54 no.51
Folger holdings ID: 356926

General notes

This record contains unverified data from old cards and may contain incorrect or incomplete text. Please consult Curator for assistance Earlier state has caption: Miss, Farren as the Queen (e.g., Folger PR2752 1788a c.1 v.11 Sh.Col.; PR2752 1788b c.11 v.18 Sh.Col.). Later state shows traces of original comma and right leg of M Burnim reproduces a copy without the upper caption ("King Richard II, act 3, scene 4") and describes it as Mary Farren (Mrs. William Farren) in Richard III, noting "The sitter has usually been identified as Elizabeth Farren...but her name does not appear in the bills for acting this role [i.e., the queen in Richard III]. The bills do show that Mrs Farren, another actress, of Drury Lane Theatre, went over to Covent Garden Theatre on 7 December 1778 to act this role. And the engraving caption specifies 'Mrs Farren.' Moreover, the face and figure do not resemble the lovely Elizabeth Farren in the least." Burnim was presumably unaware of the earlier state, with "Miss Farren" in the caption. All copies of the printed book at the Folger include "Richard II" as the play's title, and bind the illustration with Richard II. No performances of Richard II are recorded in The London stage for the period, but the character and setting match Richard II, act 3, sc.4, "The Duke of York's Garden, Enter Queen and two Ladies." Mary Farren is the only known Mrs. Farren acting at the time.̤

Item information about Folger ART Vol. d54 no.51

Clipped, deleting imprint

Extended title: Mrs. Farren as the queen [in Shakespeare's] King Richard II, act 3, scene 4 Burney, del. ; Thornthwaite, sculp

Farren, Mary, -1820 Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. King Richard II Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 Isabella, of France, Queen, consort of Richard II, King of England, 1389-1409 Actors

printmaker: Thornthwaite, J., 1740-
depiction: Farren, Mary, -1820
depiction: Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616
depiction: Isabella, of France, Queen, consort of Richard II, King of England, 1389-1409
artist: Burney, Edward Francis, 1760-1848
publisher: Bell, John, 1745-1831