On December 29th, 1888, John Singer Sargent attended the premiere of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at the Lyceum Theatre in London. The performance featured Henry Irving and Dame Ellen Terry, (1847-1928) a renowned English stage actress known for her performances in Shakespearean plays and her association with the Lyceum
John Singer Sargent was captivated by Ellen Terry’s compelling portrayal of Lady Macbeth. This experience left an indelible impression and inspired him to create the iconic portrait of Terry in costume. The portrait symbolizes Terry’s artistic prowess and enduring impact on the stage. The dramatic pose, though not part of the original production, was conceived by Sargent to capture Terry’s commanding presence.
Oscar Wilde, who lived across the street from John Singer Sargent and saw Ellen Terry’s arrival at Sargent’s Chelsea studio, was known to have remarked, ‘The street that on a wet and dreary morning has vouchsafed the vision of Lady Macbeth in full regalia magnificently seated in a four-wheeler can never again be as other streets: it must always be full of wonderful possibilities”
Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth 1889 John Singer Sargent 1856-1925 Presented by Sir Joseph Duveen 1906
The Legendary Garment
The collaboration between Ellen Terry and her costume designer, Alice Comyns Carr, was essential to creating the iconic look of Lady Macbeth. Over the course of two decades, from 1882, they worked together to craft the remarkable costumes that defined Terry’s stage presence.
One of the most striking examples of their collaboration was the emerald green silk dress worn by Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth. This legendary garment incorporated over a thousand beetle-wing cases, producing an iridescent effect that resembled the scales of a snake when illuminated by the stage lights. Complemented by a bodice knitted and crocheted with wool and metallic thread to evoke “soft chain mail,” the dress was adorned with gold trimmings and paired with a luxurious purple velvet cloak. The overall effect was heightened by Terry’s long, red hair, intricately plaited and braided with gold, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail that defined their work together.
I think that William Shakespeare would be well pleased with Ellen Terry’s portrayal of Lady Macbeth.
https://chasingart.com/2024/04/12/ellen-terry-as-lady-macbeth-by-john-singer-sargent/
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