William Shakespeare
Print
1849 (published)
1849 (published)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Print, portrait of William Shakespeare, mezzotint by Samuel Cousins after the Chandos portrait, engraved for the Shakespeare Society and published 1849.
The Chandos portrait, so-called because it was owned by the Dukes of Chandos, has been the subject of much debate. Antiquary George Vertue (1684-1756) attributed the painting to John Taylor and believed Taylor to be an actor and friend of Shakespeare's, though there may be confusion with the actor Joseph Taylor (ca.1586-1652). The portrait was the first work to be acquired by the National Portrait Gallery when the Gallery opened in 1856. Its authenticity cannot be proved but a study, completed in 2006, concluded that it does represent Shakespeare.
Samuel Cousins (1801-1887) was a noted mezzotint engraver, elected associate engraver to the Royal Academy in 1835 and in 1855 becoming one of only two engravers to be elected Royal Academician.
The Chandos portrait, so-called because it was owned by the Dukes of Chandos, has been the subject of much debate. Antiquary George Vertue (1684-1756) attributed the painting to John Taylor and believed Taylor to be an actor and friend of Shakespeare's, though there may be confusion with the actor Joseph Taylor (ca.1586-1652). The portrait was the first work to be acquired by the National Portrait Gallery when the Gallery opened in 1856. Its authenticity cannot be proved but a study, completed in 2006, concluded that it does represent Shakespeare.
Samuel Cousins (1801-1887) was a noted mezzotint engraver, elected associate engraver to the Royal Academy in 1835 and in 1855 becoming one of only two engravers to be elected Royal Academician.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | William Shakespeare (assigned by artist) |
| Materials and techniques | Mezzotint |
| Brief description | Print, portrait of William Shakespeare, mezzotint by Samuel Cousins after the Chandos portrait, 1849 |
| Physical description | Mezzotint, from the Chandos portrait of William Shakespeare, head and shoulders. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions |
|
| Credit line | Gabrielle Enthoven Collection |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | Print, portrait of William Shakespeare, mezzotint by Samuel Cousins after the Chandos portrait, engraved for the Shakespeare Society and published 1849. The Chandos portrait, so-called because it was owned by the Dukes of Chandos, has been the subject of much debate. Antiquary George Vertue (1684-1756) attributed the painting to John Taylor and believed Taylor to be an actor and friend of Shakespeare's, though there may be confusion with the actor Joseph Taylor (ca.1586-1652). The portrait was the first work to be acquired by the National Portrait Gallery when the Gallery opened in 1856. Its authenticity cannot be proved but a study, completed in 2006, concluded that it does represent Shakespeare. Samuel Cousins (1801-1887) was a noted mezzotint engraver, elected associate engraver to the Royal Academy in 1835 and in 1855 becoming one of only two engravers to be elected Royal Academician. |
| Other number | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.770-2014 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | December 4, 2014 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest
