Mr. Young as Iago

Art Historical Context

This hand-colored lithograph captures the celebrated British actor Charles May Young in his iconic role as the scheming Iago from Shakespeare’s *Othello*. Created around 1824, the print reflects the vibrant theatrical culture of early nineteenth-century London, where Shakespearean performances drew enthusiastic audiences and actors became celebrated public figures. Young’s intense portrayal of Iago, known for its psychological depth and villainous charisma, helped shape interpretations of the character for generations. The work exemplifies the artistic possibilities of lithography, a relatively new printmaking technique at the time that allowed for fluid lines and subtle tonal effects. Hand-coloring added vibrancy, making such prints affordable yet visually striking souvenirs for theatergoers. Produced with contributions from lithographer Charles Joseph Hullmandel and artist John William Gear, the sheet belongs to a tradition of theatrical portraiture that bridged fine art and popular entertainment. Today, this Metropolitan Museum impression preserves a vivid record of Romantic-era stagecraft and the enduring fascination with Shakespeare’s complex antihero.

About the Artist

Charles Joseph Hullmandel|Charles Mayne Young|William Shakespeare|John William Gear · 1789–1850

**Charles Joseph Hullmandel** (15 June 1789 – 15 November 1850) was a pioneering British lithographer, printer, and artist who played a central role in establishing and advancing lithography in Britain during the first half of the nineteenth century. Born in Queen Street, Mayfair, London, to a German-speaking musician and composer father, Nicolas-Joseph Hüllmandel, and a French noble mother, Camil...