Here
the famous Shakespearean actor Kemble pauses before a fire as his best-known
character, Coriolanus. This tragic hero, taken from Plutarch’s Lives, sought the consulship after his military
success, but his insults to the populace constitute treason and result in his
exile, then far greater tragedy. The portrait emphasizes Kemble’s powerful
form, under an intensely black cloak, perhaps at the moment of his banishment.
The light draws out three parts of the painting: Coriolanus’ resolute face, his
shod foot, and the indistinct flames. The first, combined with his powerful
neck and hand deliberately exposing armor, reminds the viewer of Coriolanus’
prowess in defense of Rome. He appears to be stepping down, as though already forsaking
Rome for exile. Behind him, the hidden flames foreshadow the violence of his
imminent fate.
You common cry of curs! whose breath I hate
As reek o' the
rotten fens, whose loves I prize
As the dead
carcasses of unburied men
That do corrupt
my air,--I banish you.
-Shakespeare’s Coriolanus,
speaking to the Romans who banish him
