Mezzotint of John Philip Kemble in the character of Rolla. Whole length with classical robes, jewelled belt, and fur mantle. Standing in a dramatic pose, holding a child aloft in left hand and a dagger in his right. With English inscription below, including publisher's address, 'Published June 4 1803 by J & J Boydell at the Shakespeare Gallery, Pall Mall & 90 Cheapside London.' Proof, open letter state.

John Philip Kemble was a successful actor in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century theatre. Sir Thomas Lawrence painted the actor in many roles, including that of Rolla in 1798, from Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play Pizzaro, adapted from Die Spanier in Peru by August Friedrich Ferdinand von Kotzebue.