William Shakespeare
This engraved book illustration is based on the Chandos portrait of Shakespeare, a painting with a good claim to have been made during he subject's lifetime. Once owned by the Duke of Chandos, the painting later became the first to enter London's National Portrait Gallery in 1856. The subject wears a beard and mustache, plain doublet, soft white collar, and an earring. Some believe the original to have been painted by John Taylor, the actor and painter-stainer who was its first recorded owner; others think it was made by Shakespeare's friend the actor Richard Burbage.
Artwork Details
- Title: William Shakespeare
- Publisher: Illman and Sons (American, Philadelphia, active 19th century)
- Subject: William Shakespeare (British, Stratford-upon-Avon 1564–1616 Stratford-upon-Avon)
- Date: mid-19th century
- Medium: Steel engraving
- Dimensions: Sheet: 7 13/16 × 5 7/16 in. (19.8 × 13.8 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Sheldon Lyon, 1947
- Object Number: 47.95.16
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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