William Shakespeare
(1564-1616), Dramatist and poetSitter associated with 107 portraits
The most celebrated English playwright and poet, Shakespeare is held as one of the greatest writers of all time. Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, he spent most of his working life in London, first as an actor, then a playwright. Whereas many poets of the time were wealthy amateurs, dramatists were usually professionals whose income came from supplying plays to the public theatres and court. The texts of plays belonged to the theatres and were seen as ephemeral, soon to be replaced. The publication of Ben Jonson's Workes in 1616, and in 1623 his own Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, Tragedies (the 'First Folio'), were milestones in the recognition of plays as lasting, influential works of literature.
Explore the Shakespeare Duck portrait (NPG D48052) from all angles | the Lego Shakespeare portrait (NPG D48054) from all angles | the Derby Porcelain Factory Shakespeare portrait (NPG D48654) from all angles | the William Shakespeare portrait bust (NPG D48655) from all angles
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by Michael Vandergucht
line engraving, 1709
NPG D25484
Monument to William Shakespeare in Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon
after Gerard Johnson
line engraving, published 1709 (circa 1620)
NPG D21014
by and sold by George Vertue
line engraving, 1719
NPG D25488
by George Vertue
line engraving, 1719
NPG D25489
by and sold by George Vertue
line engraving, 1719
NPG D41637
by and sold by George Vertue
line engraving, 1719
NPG D11109
'Poets and Philosophers of England'
by John Simon
mezzotint, mid 18th century
NPG D41665
'Poets and Philosophers of England'
by John Simon
mezzotint, mid 18th century
NPG D3192
by Gerard Vandergucht
line engraving, probably mid 18th century
NPG D25485
after Unknown artist
three wax seal impressions on paper, mid 18th century
NPG D36103
after Unknown artist
line engraving, mid to late 18th century
NPG D5945
Memorial to William Shakespeare for poets' corner in Westminster Abbey
by Andrew Miller, after Peter Scheemakers
line engraving, 1741
NPG D27949
Memorial to William Shakespeare for poets' corner in Westminster Abbey
after Hubert-François Gravelot (né Bourguignon), after Peter Scheemakers
etching, 1741
NPG D41656
by Jacobus Houbraken
line engraving, 1747
NPG D25480
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, 1747
NPG D41636
by Jacobus Houbraken, published by John & Paul Knapton
line engraving, 1747
NPG D19134
David Garrick; William Shakespeare
by John Sebastian Miller (formerly Johann Sebastian Müller)
stipple engraving, published 1769
NPG D20571
possibly by Henry Brocas the Elder
stipple engraving, late 18th to early 19th century
NPG D25486
by Derby Porcelain Factory
soft paste porcelain, circa 1770
NPG D48654
by John Hall, probably after John Taylor
line engraving, published 1785
NPG D32488
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