Theatrical doctors recovering Clara’s notes!
Williams, C. (active ca. 1800)
- Victoria and Albert Museum
H Beard Print Collection [Museum inv. no.: S.4601.2009]hand coloured
Item location
Description
A caricature of Elizabeth Billington (née Weichsel) being fed guineas by Richard Brinsley Sheridan of Drury Lane and Mr Harris of Covent Garden in an attempt to revive her singing voice. Published in London by S. W. Fores.Elizabeth Billington (1768-1818) was one of the most popular and highly paid opera singers of her day. After a triumphant debut at Covent Garden in 1786 she received a salary of £1000 to appear at the theatre for a season, and in 1801, after a period in Italy, she was in such demand in London that it was arranged for her to make alternate performances at Covent Garden and Drury Lane theatres. Her first 1801 performance was as Mandane, daughter of King Xerxes in Thomas Arne's opera Artaxerxes, and Gilray's caricature shows her in this role. Mrs Billington was known for her wide vocal range, which was shown to good effect in the opera's celebrated aria, The Soldier, tir'd of War's Alarms.
People as subjects
Billington, Elizabeth (ca. 1765-1818) (Musician)Sheridan, Richard Brinsley (1751-1816) (Non-musician/dancer)
Iconclass
48C8622opera-singer (female)
RIdIM images
