An antique, black and white copper engraving of the actor Mr John Pritt Harley (1786 - 1858) as Caleb Quotem, in The Review, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. "How do you think I spend a day, a summer's day, as Milton says?" Engraved by R Cooper from the painting by MW Sharpe, and published by H Berthoud in 1822.
John Pritt Harley was born in London in 1786. From 1806 onwards he acted in provincial theatres in England. At Southend, where he remained for sometime, he acquired thorough training in his profession. He became popular for his comic singing, and being extremely thin, he became known ironically as 'Fat Jack'. In 1815 he came to London, and began his association with the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where he remained for 20 years. In 1858, while playing Lancelot Gobbo at the Princess's Theatre, Harley was struck with paralysis. He died two days later at his London home.
Mounted. Ready to frame.
Print size: 26cm x 16cm
Mount size: 45cm x 32cm