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 John Goldar, probably after John Taylor
line engraving, published 1785
NPG D20572
by Jean Marie Delattre (Delatre)
line engraving, published 1786
NPG D41651
by Robert Cooper, after a painting attributed to John Taylor
stipple engraving, 1864 or before (circa 1610)
NPG D40742
by John Godefroy, published by William Richardson
line engraving, published 28 March 1796
NPG D41638
'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)
NPG D41655
by Unknown artist
electrotype, 19th century
NPG D7217
published by William Smith, after Martin Droeshout
line engraving, early 19th century
NPG D40737
after Unknown artist
albumen print, possibly 19th century
NPG D41645
by William Holl Sr, published by Vernor, Hood & Sharpe
stipple engraving, early 19th century
NPG D41652
by Unknown artist
stipple engraving, 19th century
NPG D41654
by Charles Warren
line engraving, 1806
NPG D25487
Memorial portrait of William Shakespeare
by Thomas Woolnoth, published by Mary Jane Godwin, after Gilbert Soest
stipple engraving, published 1 November 1809 (circa 1605-1681)
NPG D21646
by Robert Cooper, published by Machell Stace
stipple engraving printed in colour, published 1 January 1811
NPG D40743
by Robert Cooper
stipple engraving printed in colour, published 1811
NPG D18819
by Charles Turner, published by James Dunford
mezzotint, published 22 May 1815
NPG D41642
by James Godby, published and sold by Edward Orme, after Giovanni Battista Cipriani
stipple engraving, published 4 June 1815
NPG D41646
by William Ward, printed by Lahee & Co, published by John Britton, after Thomas Phillips, after George Bullock, after Gerard Johnson
mezzotint, published 23 April 1816 (circa 1620)
NPG D41657
by William Ward, printed by Lahee & Co, published by John Britton, after Thomas Phillips, after George Bullock, after Gerard Johnson
mezzotint, published 23 April 1816 (circa 1620)
NPG D41658
by William Ward, published by John Britton, after Thomas Phillips, after George Bullock, after Gerard Johnson
mezzotint, published 23 April 1816 (circa 1620)
NPG D42286
after Unknown English artist
offset lithograph, (circa 1820-1840)
NPG D41639
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