Drawing

1892 · Drawing · 28.4 × 22.6 cm

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Victoria and Albert Museum

London, United Kingdom

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 7 days ago
In this state since: Sep 25, 2026
Source: The museum's own collection data

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About the work

This painted illustration shows the actress Dame Ellen Terry (1847-1928) in the role of Cordelia in the 1892 production of King Lear by William Shakespeare at the Lyceum Theatre. It was painted by Sir Amédée Forestier (1854 – 1930) for reproduction in an illustrated magazine or newspaper and is signed with his initials.

This production starred the actor and manager Sir Henry Irving (1838-1905) in the role of King Lear and ran for 76 performances, an unprecedented achievement at the time for a play which was not popular with audiences on account of its gloomy and depressing themes.

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Terry and Irving were among the leading stage of the Victorian Era, Irving becoming the first actor to receive a knighthood in 1895. Their on-stage partnership began in 1878 when Irving first engaged Terry as his leading lady. Their first production together was Hamlet and featured Irving in the title role with Terry as Ophelia. They worked together for over twenty years, their final performance at the Lycuem taking place in 1902 when the pair appeared together in a production of the Merchant of Venice. Irving played the role of Shylock and Terry that of Portia.

Sir Amédée Forestier (1854 – 1930) was an Anglo-French artist and illustrator. He began working for the Illustrated London News in 1882 and became known for his attention to detail and historical illustrations.

This item is one of several theatrical drawings from a collection of sketches commissioned from contemporary artists to be printed in illustrated magazines. The collection was donated to the museum by Sir William James Ingram in 1914.

Victoria and Albert Museum