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Shakspeare, All's well that ends well. Act V, Scene II

1803, Engraving
Shakspeare, All's well that ends well. Act V, Scene II
Shakspeare, All's well that ends well. Act V, Scene II
Shakspeare, All's well that ends well. Act V, Scene II
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Category
Library Item
Item no
40239
Title
Shakspeare [Shakespeare]. All's well that ends well. Act V, Scene III
Description
HELENA: Oh, my good lord, when I was like this maid,/ I found you wondrous kind. There is your ring;/ And, look you, here's your letter; this it says:/ This is done:/ Will you be mine, now you are doubly won?

The engraving depicts the ending scene of the play, when everything is resolved. This scene has the most dramatic tension and when all the characters come together, and all the misunderstandings are cleared. Essentially the last scene is what makes a play: it decides if the play will leave you with a smile or tearful eyes. Can the villain redeem himself or does he get his rightful punishment? Do the lovers find their ways to each other and live happily ever after, or does their story end in tragedy?
On the engraving we see the important characters, everyone is present, they all gather for the big finale. Helena brings forth the letter and ring, objects that clearly tie the print to this play. Bertram is still unsure, the scene depicted shows him before he has his change of heart, Helena is standing on the stairs, so she is towering over Bertram, which indicates her ultimate win over the man. Between them is a dog, signalling their fidelity that comes after the illustrated moment with Bertram soon agreeing to marry Helena and be a good husband.
Engraver
Johann Gottlieb and Georg Siegmund Facius
Date
1803
Size
63 x 50 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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