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William Shakespeare

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William Shakespeare

after a painting attributed to John Taylor
chromolithograph, (circa 1610)
22 3/8 in. x 17 3/4 in. (569 mm x 450 mm) paper size
acquired unknown source, 1929
Reference Collection
NPG D41643

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • John Taylor (died 1651), Painter. Artist associated with 13 portraits.

Related worksback to top

  • NPG 1: William Shakespeare (source portrait)

Events of 1610back to top

Current affairs

Lady Arabella Stuart, cousin of James I, secretly marries William Seymour, Marquess of Hertford.
James I's chaotic finances prompts Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury to submit to Parliament the great contract which proposed increases to the king's income for James's relinquishment of his feudal rights; however, it was not implemented.

Art and science

The Alchemist, by playwright Benjamin Jonson, is first performed by the acting troupe, the King's Men. Jonson also writes Prince Henry's Barriers, in honour of Henry, Prince of Wales.
Stationers' Company agrees to give Thomas Bodley a copy of every book registered with them for his growing Bodleian Library.

International

Henry IV, King of France, is assassinated in Paris by Catholic fanatic, François Ravaillac. Henry, born a Calvinist, converted to Catholicism before ascending the throne to appease his future subjects. Although a popular king, much loved by his people, two earlier attempts had been made on his life.

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