Shakespeare Nursed by Tragedy and Comedy c. 19th century

Curator: This engraving by Benjamin Smith is titled "Shakespeare Nursed by Tragedy and Comedy." It presents an allegorical scene of the playwright's upbringing. Editor: I am struck by the tonal variations, the high contrast drawing attention to the textures. Curator: Absolutely. The scene reflects the popular 18th-century notion that Shakespeare's genius stemmed from the dual influence of tragic and comic muses. The feminine figures represent these genres. Editor: Note the placement of figures in a triangular composition, a familiar trope in Renaissance art. Curator: Indeed. Considering the societal expectations of creativity and artistic influence during that time, this work serves as a commentary on the cultural construction of genius, particularly male genius. Editor: The interplay of light and shadow certainly enhances the drama, emphasizing the figures. Curator: Viewing the artwork through a modern lens, it prompts us to consider the complexities of artistic creation, even today. Editor: A fruitful dialogue emerges when analyzing the piece's formal attributes in conjunction with its symbolic language.