William Shakespeare

1 portrait of William Shakespeare

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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William Shakespeare

by Martin Droeshout, printed by Thomas Cotes, printed for Robert Allot
line engraving, 1632
7 7/8 in. x 6 1/2 in. (199 mm x 166 mm) plate size; 9 1/4 in. x 6 7/8 in. (234 mm x 176 mm) paper size
Reference Collection
NPG D16530

Sitterback to top

Artistsback to top

  • Robert Allot (active 1625-1635), Bookseller. Artist or producer associated with 1 portrait.
  • Thomas Cotes (active 1606-died 1641), Printer. Artist or producer associated with 2 portraits.
  • Martin Droeshout (1601-1650?), Engraver. Artist or producer associated with 23 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG 185: William Shakespeare (from same plate)

Placesback to top

Events of 1632back to top

Current affairs

The death of diplomat Dudley Carleton, Viscount Dorchester, who favoured military action against Spain rather than a peace deal, allows the peace party at court to assert itself during Charles I's period of personal rule.
Charles I revives medieval forest laws to raise income.

Art and science

Poet and courtier, Endymion Porter, is instrumental in bringing Dutch artist, Anthony Van Dyck, to England. Months after his arrival, Van Dyck is appointed court painter by Charles I and given a knighthood.
The Second Folio of William Shakespeare's plays is published.

International

Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, is made lord deputy of Ireland. His efficient governance and vigorous administration quickly returns considerable sums of money to England.
Charles I issues a charter for the colony of Maryland which would became a haven for Catholics in the New World.

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