His most popular comedy inspired a new sub-genre in painting, ‘faery painting’ in the 19th century. Here’s the first act and a bit, with paintings by Dadd and Paton.
Shakespeare
As the tragedy moves relentlessly to the deaths of most of its characters, paintings by William Blake, Ford Madox Brown, and Benjamin West tells its story.
First of two parts telling the classic story of the jealousy of sisters, plots, betrayal, and the troubles of old age, with plenty of fine paintings.
Almost banned in the 19th century, only one scene has been painted extensively, but that could refer instead to either of two of Tennyson’s poems.
Twelve years earlier, the real Duke of Milan was abandoned with his young daughter in a small boat. When he is able to bring his usurper to face his revenge, this is what happens.
Its two scenes with witches are most famous, and often confused. There’s more to this play, though, and other scenes in fine paintings.
If you remember one Shakespeare play well, it’s Romeo and Juliet, shown here in paintings of the balcony scene, and the couple’s tragic deaths.
Works of the greatest English writer, they remain popular on stages around the world, and have been adapted for every narrative medium, including a great many paintings.
Known now as one of the great Russian Symbolists, in life he was independent, and painted in very modern style from legends and literary sources.
Born 200 years ago today, he should have been one of the major artists of the 19th century, but died when he had only just turned 37.
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