The Princess, Rosaline, etc. (Shakespeare, Love's Labour Lost, Act 4, Scene 1) 1793 - 1852

This print after a painting by Robert Smirke, made by Thomas Ryder the first, depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. Here, Ryder offers us a glimpse into the cultural landscape of 18th-century Britain, where Shakespeare's works were not just plays but cultural cornerstones, ripe for reinterpretation through the visual arts. Note the aristocratic figures in classical garb: these images acted as a mirror reflecting the values and tastes of the British elite. Consider the institutional forces at play. The printmaking industry, bolstered by academies and exhibitions, created new markets for art. In its time, this image circulated among a literate and affluent audience. By exploring playbills, letters, and exhibition catalogues, we can begin to reconstruct the complex dialogue between art, literature, and society in 18th century Britain.