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Opera Reminiscences, Plate 1st: Desdemona and Otello

Publisher Thomas McLean British
Subject William Shakespeare British
July 15, 1829
Not on view
Desdemona stands at left, one arm outstretched towards Otello, who wears Turkish costume, has his arms raised and his mouth open as if in song. Rossini's opera was based on a French adaption of the story, rather than directly on Shakespera's play, and was first performed in London in 1822.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Opera Reminiscences, Plate 1st: Desdemona and Otello
  • Artist: William Heath ('Paul Pry') (British, Northumbria 1794/95–1840 Hampstead)
  • Publisher: Thomas McLean (British, 1788–1875)
  • Subject: William Shakespeare (British, Stratford-upon-Avon 1564–1616 Stratford-upon-Avon)
  • Date: July 15, 1829
  • Medium: Hand-colored etching
  • Dimensions: Plate: 10 3/16 × 14 9/16 in. (25.9 × 37 cm)
    Sheet: 10 7/8 × 15 7/16 in. (27.7 × 39.2 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1970
  • Object Number: 1970.538.27
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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