Richard Plantagenet throws the severed head of the duke of Somerset at the feet of his father. Illustration for Shakespeare's Henry VI, Part 3, act 1, line 20 1770s

Johann Heinrich Füssli made this illustration in ink and wash for Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 3. The image depicts a scene of brutal violence, with Richard Plantagenet presenting his father with the severed head of the Duke of Somerset. Füssli, working in late 18th-century Europe, drew inspiration from classical antiquity and the Renaissance. His art often explored themes of drama, passion, and the darker aspects of human nature. Shakespeare was a popular subject for artists at this time, as his plays resonated with contemporary interests in history, politics, and the human condition. Füssli's interpretation reflects the social and political upheavals of his era, including the French Revolution, with its themes of rebellion and violence. By illustrating such moments, Füssli invites us to consider the nature of power, justice, and morality. Understanding the artwork involves delving into the history of Shakespearean interpretation, the artistic conventions of the time, and the broader social and political context. The role of the historian is to piece together these elements, using archival sources, literary criticism, and art historical analysis.