Oil on board, unsigned, depicts the celebrated American actor Edwin Forest as a Roman senator in a likely Shakespearean role. Presented in period gilt and gesso wooden frame.

SS 7.25 x 37 in.; DOA 46 x 35.5 in.

The style of this celebrity portrait is consistent with similar known works by John B. Neagle. The subject, professional actor Edwin Forrest, became a superstar when he, as an American, successfully performed Shakespeare in London. Forrest soon found himself in an ugly rivalry with English actor William Macready that grew personal and inspired the growth of increasingly militant public factions supporting one or the other of the rivals. The animosity between the two actors and their supporters took on the patriotic overtones of "us versus them" as regards Britain and America. The whole sordid affair culminated in New York's Astor Place Riot of May 1849 in which supporters of the two antagonists clashed violently. Over two dozen participants were killed and more than 100 people were injured. Perhaps the painter Neagle received a commission for this portrait during the Forrest-Macready feud.

$800 - 1,200