The Theatre

John Baptista Verbruggen was an English actor and painter born of Dutch descent. His date of birth is unknown but his death was recorded in 1708. His historical biography is confusing and somewhat mysterious, he was first recorded as acting in 1690 but the consensus of opinion is that an earlier date may well be found. However he is recorded as marrying a well known actress in 1694, Susan Mountfort, they both were in demand in the late 17th Century at the Drury Lane Theatre. He was later critically acclaimed as a talented and natural actor. This painting of monochrome grisaille looks to be a sketch of a scene from 'St. Paul preaching in Athens' , a roll that Verbruggen along with that of Alexander the Great was thought to have played. I have enclosed a photo of a similar scene painted by Raphael in 1514-1515, also a before and after conservation of this Verbruggen painting.