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Shakspeare, Much ado about Nothing. Act III, Scene I

1803, Engraving
Shakspeare, Much ado about Nothing. Act III, Scene I
Shakspeare, Much ado about Nothing. Act III, Scene I
Shakspeare, Much ado about Nothing. Act III, Scene I
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Category
Library Item
Item no
40225
Title
Shakspeare [Shakespeare]. Much ado about Nothing. Act III, Scene I
Description
HERO: Then go we near her, that her ear lose nothing/ Of the false sweet bait that we lay for it./ Approaching the bower/ No, truly, Ursula, she is too disdainful;/ I know her spirits are as coy and wild/ As haggerds of the rock.
URSULA: But are you sure/ That Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely?

In this scene, Hero tries to trick Beatrice into thinking that Benedick loves her. Hero orchestrates her conversation about the topic with Ursula, her court lady accordingly, when she knows Beatrice can overhear them.
The scene illustrated by William Peters is very similar to one of his interpretations of Merry Wives of Windsor. It shares a similar style and lavish setting, as well as a focus on the female characters. There are not a lot of visual indications or direct references to Shakespeare, let alone to the specific play. But the playful illustration is a joy to look at, because the artist once again, illustrates the noble ladies in their luxurious clothing carefully and lovingly. Peters also hid his signature on the base of an antique vase on the left.
Engraver
Peter Simon
Date
1803
Size
46.5 x 64.5 cm
Type
Location
Art and Design Library
Rights and purchasing
Option
Price
Digital FileElectronic file 72 dpi JPEG​
£7.32(inc. VAT 20%)
Digital FileElectronic File 300 dpi TIFF​
£37.20(inc. VAT 20%)
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