Shakespeare's graf Possibly 1782 - 1787

Francesco Bartolozzi created this print, "Shakespeare's graf," using stipple engraving, a technique that creates soft, textured tones. It dates from the late 18th century, a time when Shakespeare was being elevated to the status of national poet, a figure of almost sacred cultural importance. The image shows a classically draped woman, likely an allegorical figure of mourning, scattering flowers on Shakespeare's tomb. Consider the social context: the rise of literary societies, the construction of Shakespeare's birthplace as a tourist destination, and the emphasis on Shakespeare in education. All of these helped to solidify his position within British cultural identity. The print, with its idealized aesthetic, participates in this cultural project, presenting Shakespeare as a figure worthy of reverence. To understand the print more fully, we might explore the archives of theatrical productions, publications of Shakespeare's works, and the records of institutions that promoted his legacy. In doing so, we start to see how cultural icons are constructed, maintained, and deployed for various social and political purposes.