William Shakespeare (formerly known as) 1765 - 1775

Richard Earlom created this print of William Shakespeare in the late 18th century. The work is a study in contrasts, carefully composed within the confines of its rectangular frame. The tight composition focuses our attention on the face, framed by the dark, sober clothing and the elaborate ruff. Earlom masterfully employs light and shadow to sculpt Shakespeare's features, lending them a striking three-dimensionality. Observe the almost geometric precision of the ruff. Its sharp, repeated forms create a visually arresting barrier that separates the subject from the viewer, hinting at the complex layers of identity and representation. This meticulous approach to form and detail underscores the semiotic function of portraiture during this period. More than just a likeness, it's a construction of identity, a formal presentation that speaks to the subject's status and cultural significance. The print invites us to consider how such visual structures shape our understanding and valorization of historical figures.