Robert Baddeley (1733–1794), as 'Moses' in 'The School for Scandal' (the play by Richard Brinsley Sheridan)

Robert Baddeley as Moses in The School for Scandal from around 1772 captures a performer in Sheridan's celebrated comedy, which premiered in 1777 and became one of the most performed plays of the Georgian era. Zoffany's theatrical portraits provided a visual record of performances that would otherwise survive only in written descriptions. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays meticulous detail in costume and setting, warm intimate lighting, vivid individual characterization that preserves the energy of live performance.

The theatrical portrait captures the comic character through Baddeley's expression and posture, with Zoffany's precise technique rendering the stage costume and characterization with equal attention.