A Midsummernight's Dream before 1876

This is an undated photograph by Alfred Brewer depicting a scene from Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The image is a reproduction in a book, so it is important to consider the institutional and cultural contexts that shape its meaning. In Brewer's photographic interpretation of Shakespeare, we see the fairy, Puck, as a cute child, a choice that emphasizes innocence and fantasy. Shakespeare's plays were popular during this time, but the way this scene is represented speaks to how the Victorians liked to interpret and consume art. The Victorians were fond of sentimental imagery, and they often adapted classical stories and images to suit the tastes and moral standards of their time. The fairy is made safe for children and families to enjoy, making him far less mischievous and troubling. To understand this image better, one might research the history of Shakespearean adaptations, the cultural values of the Victorian era, and the role of photography in disseminating art. The meaning of art is always subject to the tastes and institutions that shape it.