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William Shakespeare

1827
Not on view
Created for Abraham Wivell's "Inquiry into the History of the Shakespeare Portraits" (1827), Picart's print accurately reduces Droeshout's famous title page engraving in the First Folio (1623). The Bard is distinguished by his prominent forehead, long hair covering his ears, mustache and mouche (patch of hair below his lower lip). He wears a starched white collar, a doublet adorned with lace or braid, and fastened by covered buttons. Since the original image was approved by actor friends of Shakespeare, who edited the 1623 publication, and accompanied by a laudatory verse written by another contemporary, Ben Jonson, it is considered a good likeness.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: William Shakespeare
  • Series/Portfolio: Wivell's Inquiry into the History of the Shakespeare Portraits
  • Engraver: Charles Picart (British, active ca. 1780–1837)
  • Artist: After Martin Droeshout the Younger (British, 1601–after 1639)
  • Publisher: Abraham Wivell I (British, London 1786–1849 Birmingham)
  • Sitter: William Shakespeare (British, Stratford-upon-Avon 1564–1616 Stratford-upon-Avon)
  • Date: 1827
  • Medium: Etching and engraving on chine collé
  • Dimensions: Chine collé: 10 1/16 × 6 7/8 in. (25.6 × 17.5 cm)
    Plate: 10 1/4 × 7 1/16 in. (26.1 × 17.9 cm)
    Sheet: 11 13/16 × 8 5/8 in. (30 × 21.9 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1917
  • Object Number: 17.3.756-2421
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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