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

1803, Engraving
Shakspeare, Much ado about Nothing. Act IV, Scene I
Shakspeare, Much ado about Nothing. Act IV, Scene I
Shakspeare, Much ado about Nothing. Act IV, Scene I
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Category
Library Item
Item no
40226
Title
Shakspeare [Shakespeare]. Much ado about Nothing. Act IV, Scene I
Description
LEONATO: Hath no man's dagger here a point for me?
BEATRICE: Why, how now, cousin! wherefore sink you down?
[HERO swoons]
DON JOHN: Come, let us go. These things, come thus to light,/ Smother her spirits up.

William Hamilton illustrates the scene with the most dramatic tension in the drama. The climax of the play is based on a misunderstanding. Claudio and Hero are about to get married, but Claudio was tricked into thinking that his fiancée was unfaithful. So, on the wedding day, at the altar, he refuses to marry Hero and tells the wedding party that he believes the lady is unchaste. Hero’s reputation is destroyed, and she faints. This is the moment that the artist depicts. Everyone is shocked to hear these allegations, especially Leonato, the girl’s father, who is on the left in the foreground with a very theatrical expression on his face. Hamilton highlights Hero and Claudio by making them the brightest of figures, since it is their moment most of all, the others are merely bystanders. Claudio is visibly angry, and he stretches his arm out as if he wants to push the girl even further away. Don John, the darkest figure, standing on the right in the foreground, shown from behind and Don Pedro are about to exit with Claudio. This is a highly dramatic scene with heightened emotions.
Engraver
Peter Simon
Date
1803
Size
63.5 x 49.5 cm
Type
Location
Art and Design Library
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