The Infant Shakespeare, Attended by Nature and the Passions

1799

Benjamin Smith, after George Romney

Associated Names
Benjamin Smith

Artist, British, 1753 - 1833

George Romney

Artist After, British, 1734 - 1802

The engraving depicts a naked infant sitting in the center with their legs crossed and arms resting on their thighs. A woman leans over the child, with one arm wrapped around the infant and the other under their chin. Another figure, likely female, bends forward nearby in a long gown. Several figures, possibly spirits or muses, observe with distinct expressions. They wear draped attire, leaving their arms and shoulders bare. In the background, a light figure appears above a sheer cloth. The setting is shadowy and cave-like. The artwork includes captions and inscriptions at the bottom.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    stipple etching and engraving on wove paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Thomas Vogler in memory of his brother Donald J. Vogler

  • Dimensions

    plate: 49.5 × 62.8 cm (19 1/2 × 24 3/4 in.)
    sheet: 51 × 64.9 cm (20 1/16 × 25 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2017.53.45

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Le Blanc 1854-1888, no. 15

  • Series Title

    Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Weschler's Auctions, Washington, DC, date and sale unknown); Donald Vogler, Portland, OR; gift to NGA, 2017.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1854

  • Le Blanc, Charles. _Manuel de l'amateur d'estampes, contenant le dictionnaire des graveurs de toutes les nations, dans lequel sont decrites les estampes rares, precieuses et interessantes avec l'indication de leurs differents etats et des prix auxquels: no. 15

Inscriptions

lower left in plate: Painted by George Romney; lower right in plate: Engraved by Benj.n Smith ; lower center in plate: THE INFANT SHAKESPEARE. / attended by / Nature and the Passions / Pub.d Sept.r 29, 1799, by J & J BOYDELL, athe the Shakspeare Gallery, Pall Mall; & No. 90, Cheapside, London; Nature is represented with her face unveiled to her favourite / Child, who is placed between Joy and Sorrow / On the right hand of Nature, are Love, Hatred, & / Jealousy; on her left hand, Anger, Envy, & Fear

Wikidata ID

Q77259422

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