Price on application

The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard

English, circa 1828.

John Liston, circa 1776-1846.

Actor and comedian.

Oil on canvas 30 ¼ x 25 ¼ ins, 76.84 x 64.14 cms.

In a fine gilt frame of the period.

 

John Liston was one of London's leading comic actors during the Regency and the first comedian to command a salary greater than that of a tragedian.  He also became a household name from his portrayal of the title role in the play Paul Pry.  He was a particular favourite of the Prince Regent.  In this portrait he is shown with a snuff box on a tabletop with a large red snuff handkerchief, which would have been between 18 and 24 inches square.  The lid of the box is painted with profile portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte.  This suggests that it had been presented to Liston by either the King (who was a constant visitor at theatres) or, more probably, the Prince Regent (also a great devotee, who had in 1809 laid the foundation stone of the new theatre in Covent Garden).  Liston dressed elegantly in private life and a precious snuffbox was an essential to the Regency gentleman.

Born in Soho circa 1776, Liston made his debut at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, on 15 August 1799.  In 1801 he joined Stephen Kemble’s company, based in Newcastle, with which he remained until 1805.  It was at this time that his talent for comic roles was recognised.  On 10 June 1805 he made his debut as a low comedian at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. but after that season he was engaged by Covent Garden (debut 15 October 1805) until 1822.  Liston often toured in the provinces in summer seasons when not in Haymarket productions. 

On 22 March 1807 Liston married the actress Sarah Tyrer (1781-1854) at St. Martin-in-the-Fields.  They had two children, born in 1813 and 1814.  Sarah retired from the stage on 31 May 1822, when Liston also left the Covent Garden company.  The following year he joined the Drury Lane company where he remained until 1831, also appearing at the Haymarket and in the provinces during this time.

There is a list of Liston’s stage parts in the Oxford DNB entry by Professor Jim Davis.  As well as a speciality in conceited provincial characters and comic parts, he also played more serious roles which were well received.

Liston first played the title role in Paul Pry by John Poole at the Haymarket on 13 September 1825.  His creation of this part was unique.  The busybody Mr. Pry was characterised by his top hat, baggy striped trousers tucked into hessian boots, tail coat and green umbrella.  (Mr. Pry would leave his umbrella behind after a visit to provide an excuse to return and eavesdrop.)  Soon, likenesses of Liston as Paul Pry appeared everywhere, not just as prints but as figures, toby jugs and other artefacts. 

The last six years of Liston’s professional career (1 October 1831-31 May 1837) were spent at the small Olympic Theatre managed by Madame Vestris.  Liston then moved to his country villa at Penn, near Windsor although he spent the final years of his life at his residence at St. George’s Place, Hyde Park Corner.  He died on 22 March 1846.

This portrait is likely to have been painted in about 1828.  The artist has not been identified.  George Clint is a possibility but this work is not recorded.

Dimensions

76.84 x 64.14 cms.

Price on application





Stock number

S00269
Open by appointment and at fairs

The BADA Standard

  • Since 1918, BADA has been the leading association for the antiques and fine art trade
  • Members are elected for their knowledge, integrity and quality of stock
  • Our clients are protected by BADA’s code of conduct
  • Our dealers’ membership is reviewed and renewed annually
  • Bada.org is a non-profit site: clients deal directly with members and they pay no hidden fees
Click here for more information on the BADA Standard