Rare contemporary engraved depiction of the expatriate African-American Shakespearean actor, who made a name for himself as an actor in London and is one of the most celebrated artists of his time for breaking gender and racial barriers onstage. He is widely considered to be the first notable African American actor.  Original engraving after a daguerrotype by Paine, published by John Tallis & Company, NY ca. 1860s, depicting Aldridge in one of his most famous roles, as the lead in Charles Dibdin's 1768 play The Padlock, a role originally played by Dibdin in blackface. Light wear to edges, else fine. 7.48 x 10.51 inches; 19 x 27 cm. 

Born in New York City, New York to free blacks Reverend Daniel and Lurona Aldridge, he joined the prestigious African Grove Theatre, an all-black theatre troupe in 1821, but emigrated in 1824 in search of greater opportunities. He moved to England and made his debut in London in 1825 as Othello at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, a role he would remain associated with until his death. The critic reviews gave Aldridge the name Roscius (the celebrated Roman actor of tragedy and comedy). Aldridge embraced it and began using the stage name “The African Roscius.” He even created the myth that he was the descendant of a Senegalese Prince whose family was forced to escape to the United States to save their lives. This deception erased Aldridge’s American upbringing and cast him as an exotic and almost magical being. He slowly worked his way up through the regional theaters of Great Britain and Ireland and went on to a long career, touring frequently and collecting honors around Europe as one of England's leading actors. He is the only actor of African descent to be honored with a plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theater.