William Shakespeare 1719

This is George Vertue’s engraving of William Shakespeare. We are unsure exactly when it was made, but Vertue was active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Vertue lived in a time of intense social change in England. As the concept of the individual gained importance, portraiture became increasingly popular. The engraving is a reproduction of an original portrait. Shakespeare is framed by an oval border, decorated with ribbons, and a laurel wreath. This framing presents Shakespeare as an important historical figure. The use of the engraving technique allowed for wider distribution, making Shakespeare’s image accessible to a broader audience. The text at the bottom of the image invites us to consider the playwright as "Nature's Mirrour." This suggests that Shakespeare's work reflects the complex and diverse aspects of human nature. It celebrates his profound insight into the human condition, inviting viewers to find their own reflections within the playwright’s works.