Welcome to the second instalment in my Year of Enchanted Paintings series! Last month, we explored the mesmerising magic of The Beguiling of Merlin — all mystery, temptation, and tangled spells — and this time, we’re stepping onto the stage with something every bit as captivating: John Singer Sargent’s Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth (1889).
There’s something so powerful about this painting. Every time I see it, I’m struck by the sheer presence of it — Ellen Terry, mid-performance, shimmering like she’s been lit from within. Sargent managed to capture not just a woman in costume, but a woman completely embodying her role. She’s regal, confident, and just a touch otherworldly — the perfect fusion of theatre and visual art that Sargent admired so deeply.
Ellen Terry was one of the great actresses of her time, famous for her charm, elegance, and commanding stage presence. When she played Lady Macbeth at London’s Lyceum Theatre in December 1888, under the direction of Henry Irving, she didn’t simply act — she became her. And that incredible transformation is perfectly reflected in this portrait, now housed at Tate Britain in London.
One of my favourite details is, of course, that legendary beetle-wing dress. Designed by Alice Comyns Carr and constructed by Adaline Cort Nettleship, it was made from silk and adorned with over a thousand real beetle-wing cases, creating a hypnotic, scaled shimmer under gaslight. Sargent captured that glimmering effect beautifully, translating stage illumination into painterly light. The gown — still preserved today at Smallhythe Place in Kent, Ellen Terry’s former home — was first unveiled to stunned audiences at the Lyceum in 1888, paired with a purple velvet cloak embroidered with golden lions, contrasting dramatically with Terry’s long red hair plaited with gold.
It’s hard not to see the costume as a kind of ritual garment — part armour, part enchantment — helping her step fully into the role of Lady Macbeth. Perhaps that’s why the painting feels so charged with energy. As Lady Macbeth lifts the crown above her head, Sargent freezes a moment that didn’t actually occur in Irving’s production, yet captures the essence of her “moment of triumph” — the woman claiming her power.
I’ve always found Lady Macbeth such a fascinating character. She’s ambitious and flawed, yes, but she’s also complex and deeply human. Through Ellen Terry’s interpretation, she feels less like a villain and more like a woman awakening her inner force — something that’s often been misunderstood. It’s the kind of energy that reminds me of transformation, confidence, and self-belief. There’s a quiet sort of sorcery in that.
Now, I had fully intended to create an outfit of my own inspired by this painting (how could I resist all those jewel tones and that witchy glamour?) — but I’ve been unwell for the past couple of days and just couldn’t manage it. However, this painting was actually used in an old Style Imitating Art challenge several years ago (2021!), so if I can dig out the photos from back then, I’ll share my look here!
If you’re feeling inspired by the painting too, think deep emerald, sapphire, or ruby tones, a touch of metallic shimmer, and an aura of quiet confidence. It’s less about costume and more about channelling that Lady Macbeth spirit — the unapologetic kind of power that lives inside all of us.
Next month, we’ll be exploring another piece of art that dances between beauty and mystery (I won’t give too much away just yet — but it’s another enchanting one!).
Until then, maybe take a little inspiration from Ellen Terry herself: step into your day with a touch of drama, a hint of magic, and a whole lot of confidence.
