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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.

Mr. Garrick in Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 4, James McArdell (Irish, Dublin 1729–1765 London), Mezzotint — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

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

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