William Henry West Betty, the 'Young Roscius' (1791-1874) as Norval in John Home's 'Douglas'

James Northcote, RA (Plymouth 1746 – London 1831). Oil painting on canvas, William Henry West Betty, the 'Young Roscius' (1791-1874) as Norval in Jonh Home's 'Douglas' by James Northcote RA (Plymouth 1746 – London 1831), 1804. A half-length portrait, of the young actor born in Shrewsbury who was known as the 'Young Roscius' (Roscius was the most celebrated Roman actor, who taught Cicero the art of oratory), facing, head turned three-quarters to right, curly hair, wearing armour and a green plaid over his shoulders; left hand holds a sword hilt, the other hand rests on top. The most celebrated portrait of him, showing him in the same role in John Home's 'Douglas' by Opie is in the National Portrait Gallery. Actor, called the 'Young Roscius'. He was born in Shrewsbury and began his career at the age of 11 after seeing Sarah Siddons. He played Romeo in Belfast and Hamlet and Prince Arthur at Dublin 1803; played at Cork, Waterford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and at Covent Garden and Drury Lane, 1804; appeared on alternate nights at Drury Lane, 1804, adding Richard III and Macbeth to his Shakespearian repetoire; last appeared as a boy actor at Bath, 1808; fellow-commoner of Christ's College, Cambridge, 1808 where he studied for two years; returned to the stage in 1812, and finally retired in 1824. Attingham Park, Shropshire (Accredited Museum)