'William Shakespeare between the Dramatic Muse and the Genius of Painting'
1 portrait of William Shakespeare
© National Portrait Gallery, London
'William Shakespeare between the Dramatic Muse and the Genius of Painting'
by Benjamin Smith, published by John Boydell, published by Josiah Boydell, after Thomas Banks
stipple engraving, published 4 June 1796 (1789)
22 3/8 in. x 16 3/8 in. (568 mm x 415 mm) plate size; 27 7/8 in. x 20 1/2 in. (707 mm x 522 mm) paper size
Given by Ernest E. Leggatt, 1929
Reference Collection
NPG D41655
Sitterback to top
- William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Dramatist and poet. Sitter associated with 107 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Thomas Banks (1735-1805), Sculptor. Artist or producer associated with 4 portraits, Sitter in 7 portraits.
- John Boydell (1720-1804), Engraver and printseller. Artist or producer associated with 132 portraits, Sitter in 13 portraits.
- Josiah Boydell (1752-1817), Artist and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 69 portraits.
- Benjamin Smith (circa 1754-1833), Engraver, printseller and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 16 portraits.
Placesback to top
- Place made: United Kingdom: England, London (90 Cheapside; Shakspeare Gallery, Pall Mall, London)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1796back to top
Current affairs
Birth of Princess Charlotte, only child of George, Prince of Wales and Princess Caroline whose marriage soon quickly and publicly degenerates.Art and science
Fanny Burney publishes Camilla, one of several influential novels exploring social misunderstanding and the fashionable mode of sensibility.Architect William Chambers completes the building of Somerset House.
Collector William Beckford, the richest man in England, begins construction of his gothic fantasy Fonthill Abbey.
International
Napoleon Bonaparte assumes command of the French armies in Italy and defeats the Austrians at Millesimo and the Piedmontese at Mondovi.Arthur Wellesley, later Duke of Wellington, arrives in India as a colonel.
John Adams is elected President of the United States, defeating Thomas Jefferson by three votes.
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