M.rs Susanna Cent-Livre

Date1720

Engraver Peter Pelham

After work by D. Fermin

Publisher John Bowles 1701 - 1779

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 14 1/4 × 10 1/8 in (36.19 × 25.72cm)
Other (Platemark): 13 7/8 × 9 3/4 in (35.24 × 24.76cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1979-81

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "M.rs Susanna Cent-Livre/ D. Fermin Pinx./ P. Pelham fecit 1720. Printed & Sold by John Bowles at the Black Horse in Cornhill."Label TextSusanna Centlivre dazzled the English - on and off stage - as a poet, playwright, and actress. Centlivre (1669-1723) was known for writing witty and daring comedies. In the preface of one of her plays, she discussed the challenges of being a female writer, noting that plays published anonymously are “approv’d by every Body” until it is revealed to be by a woman. “Thus they alter their judgement, by the Esteem they have for the Author, tho’ the Play is still the same.” In 1736, Centlivre’s play The Busie Body was performed in Williamsburg by a troupe of amateur actors.  ProvenanceBefore 1979, The Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1979-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)