William Shakespeare

Art Historical Context

This 1876 engraving presents a portrait of William Shakespeare, rendered in the seventh state of a nine-state printing process. Created by engravers Charles William Sherborn and Thomas Brooker, the work measures just over six inches in plate size, demonstrating the precision required for fine printmaking. The inclusion of skulls and a coat of arms hints at themes of mortality and legacy often associated with the playwright’s own writings. As a print from the Metropolitan Museum’s Drawings and Prints department, this engraving reflects the 19th-century fascination with Shakespeare during a period when his image was widely reproduced to celebrate his cultural stature. Engraving techniques allowed such portraits to reach broad audiences through books and collections, preserving and popularizing the Bard’s likeness long after his lifetime. Acquired through the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1917, the piece offers viewers a window into Victorian-era interpretations of Renaissance figures. Its detailed linework and symbolic elements invite contemplation of both artistic craftsmanship and enduring literary heritage.

About the Artist

William Shakespeare|Charles William Sherborn|Thomas Brooker (British|British|British|British) · 1840 |1831 |1564 |1564 –1877 |1912 |1616 |1616

British, active 1840–77|British, London 1831–1912 London|British, Stratford-upon-Avon 1564–1616 Stratford-upon-Avon|British, Stratford-upon-Avon 1564–1616 Stratford-upon-Avon