Dame Ellen Terry by John Singer Sargent

The Italian-born American artist John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), who was renowned for his society portraits, persuaded Dame Ellen Terry (1847-1928) to sit for him in 1889. According to Tate Britain, where the painting is on display, this particular pose was never a part of her actual interpretation of Lady Macbeth, which she first performed opposite Sir Henry Irving at the Lyceum Theatre in 1888. The famous beetlewing costume was restored to its full glory between 2006 and 2011 and is back on display in the Ellen Terry Museum at Smallhythe Place in Kent, the last and much-loved home of the great actress. The Guardian reported in March 2011 that the gown 'had led a hard life, particularly given Terry's reputation for arriving late and dressing at frantic speed'.