Rosalind, Celia & Touchstone (Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 2) 1792

This stipple engraving by John Chapman, dating from the early 19th century, captures a scene from Shakespeare’s 'As You Like It', spotlighting Rosalind, Celia, and Touchstone in the Forest of Arden. During this era, Shakespeare's plays were often reinterpreted through a lens of sentimentalism and moral instruction, reflecting the social values of the time. Here, the artwork delicately engages with themes of identity and social roles. Rosalind and Celia, escaping the rigid confines of court life, find themselves in the pastoral setting of the forest, where social hierarchies blur. Accompanying them is Touchstone, the clown, whose presence highlights the shifting dynamics of class and wit. The emotional core of the scene lies in the characters' quest for freedom and self-discovery amidst the complexities of love and disguise. Chapman's engraving offers a glimpse into the aspirations and emotional journeys of individuals navigating a world of changing social norms, inviting us to reflect on the enduring power of human connection.