Hermione entreats Polixenes – Act I, Scene II, The Winter’s Tale 

This black and white drawing by American artist Edwin Austin Abbey depicts a scene from Shakespeare's *The Winter's Tale*. The artwork captures the moment Hermione, the Queen of Sicilia, pleads with Polixenes, King of Bohemia, to stay at the court. Abbey uses the medium of pen and ink to create a dynamic and expressive scene, emphasizing the powerful emotions of the characters through their gestures and facial expressions. The artwork, likely a preparatory sketch for a larger project, offers a glimpse into Abbey's artistic process and his captivating interpretation of Shakespeare's classic play.