Engraving of Ira Aldridge

Engraving of Ira Aldridge, about 1820-30. by T Hollis, after William Paine.

Ira Aldridge (1807 – 1867) was a leading Shakespearian actor who first appeared on the London stage in 1825. However, when he was given the part of Othello in 1833, he was subjected to racist criticism from the critics. Outside of London he was given much more honest acclaim, and toured successfully on the European continent.