Sarah Siddons (1755 - 1831), the outstanding tragic actress of her time, was the daughter of Roger Kemble; she married William Siddons in 1773. Reynolds and other artists also painted her portrait.

Gainsborough is reported to have had difficulties with the nose and to have exclaimed, 'Confound the nose, there's no end to it.' Pentimenti can be seen in both the nose and the right hand.The painting was finished by the end of March 1785.