Anna Maria Crouch as Polly in The Beggar's Opera
- Artist: John Bell
- Artist: Samuel De Wilde
- Artist: Joseph Thornthwaite
- Date: 1795
- Medium: etching
- Dimensions: Long Term Loan
- Portrays: Anna Maria Crouch
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is “Anna Maria Crouch as Polly in The Beggar’s Opera,” an etched portrait from 1795. You’ll notice Crouch in her stage costume, the hat and face‑wear that give her a theatrical look. Fine lines define the folds of her dress and the detailed background – perhaps a mantelpiece or hearth typical of the period.
The image was engraved by Joseph Thornthwaite on a plate originally painted by Samuel De Wilde. John Bell printed it, so you’re seeing a reproduction that still captures the original artist’s detail. The engraving technique gives a crisp, almost sculptural quality to her features.
Crouch was a noted singer and actress in London during the late 1700s, and this portrait shows her in character as Polly. It reflects how stage actors were popular subjects for artists of the time. The print remains a lovely example of early nineteenth‑century portrait engraving.
See it in person
Anna Maria Crouch as Polly in The Beggar's Opera is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
