Garrick and Shakespeare with Tragedy and Comedy (Furnishing Fabric) c. 1790

This repeating pattern, or furnishing fabric, was created in 1790 by Robert Edge Pine and depicts the actors David Garrick and William Shakespeare, along with allegorical figures representing Tragedy and Comedy. The scene features a bust of Shakespeare on a plinth surrounded by a crowd, with the two actors standing prominently. This piece is a testament to the popular reverence for Shakespeare in the 18th century and serves as a reminder of the influence of theatre on the visual arts. The intricate design, filled with swirling floral patterns and cherubs, creates a sense of grandeur and celebration.