Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse is a 1784 oil painting by Joshua Reynolds. Mrs. Sarah Siddons: Sarah Siddons was a well-known actress of the 18th century who became famous for her role as Shakespeare's Lady Macbeth. Born Sarah Kemble, aged 18 she married William Siddons, also an actor, and they had seven children of who only two survived. Sarah's parents sent her to work as a lady's maid and with this job she was exposed to the works of England's literary greats such as Milton and Shakespeare. She also began acting and had
Sarah Siddons as the Tragic Muse outlining that looked to reinforce natural harmony. The subject is in the full light and her presence is boldly outlined using this technique. The two allegories, Pity and Terror, stand behind her on two deeper planes. Expression of Tragedy: Reynolds painted Siddons' expression clearly in conflict yet with a very elegant and noble air that exuded a sense of grace. She looks undecided as the allegories cloud her judgment about her difficult situation which nevertheless will end in tragedy for the crime Lady Macbeth will commit, and the remorse she will suffer. Reynolds knew that viewers of the piece would