Mr. Garrick in Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 4

November 1, 1754

Not on view

Portrait of the famous actor and theater manager David Garrick in the role of Hamlet in Shakespeare's play. He stands three-quarter length with his hands outstretched and looking to right, wearing a velvet suit and white shirt with ruffled sleeves. The castle of Elsinore is shown behind at right. The print evokes a dramatic moment in Act 1 when the prince encounters the ghost of his murdered father.

Artwork Details

Title: Mr. Garrick in Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 4
Engraver: James McArdell (Irish, Dublin 1729–1765 London)
Artist: After Benjamin Wilson (British, Leeds 1721–1788 London)
Publisher: Benjamin Wilson (British, Leeds 1721–1788 London)
Sitter: David Garrick (British, Hereford 1717–1779 London)
Subject: William Shakespeare (British, Stratford-upon-Avon 1564–1616 Stratford-upon-Avon)
Date: November 1, 1754
Medium: Mezzotint
Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed to plate): 17 5/8 × 12 3/4 in. (44.8 × 32.4 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: Purchase, Harry G. Friedman Bequest, 1967
Object Number: 67.539.271
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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