New Reading, or Shakspeare [sic] Improved. Humbly Dedicated to the Keen Critic of Drury Lane, by a Poor Author 1819

This hand-colored etching, made by Charles Williams, satirizes the performance of Shakespeare at Drury Lane. The printmaking process itself is interesting here. An image is etched into a metal plate, traditionally copper or zinc, using acid, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The linear quality, enhanced by hand-applied color, allowed Williams to create a narrative scene populated with figures and text, not unlike a contemporary comic strip. The physical act of etching demands precision and control, but the medium also allows for the reproduction of images on a relatively large scale. This was crucial in disseminating social commentary to a broad audience. Notice the actor in the foreground, striking a pose, while another figure rides what appears to be an early bicycle. The visual contrast is comical, mocking the sometimes-exaggerated performances of Shakespearean actors. Ultimately, this print is a testament to the power of accessible art forms, like printed images, to engage with and critique the social and cultural issues of their time. It blurs the lines between 'high' art, like theater, and popular visual culture.