Roubiliac with the Model for Garrick's Shakespeare (Walpole's "Anecdotes of Painting in England," vol. 4) 1827

James William Cook created this print, Roubiliac with the Model for Garrick's Shakespeare, in the 19th century for Walpole's "Anecdotes of Painting in England." It captures the sculptor Louis-François Roubiliac, a French immigrant, at work on a model for a monument to the famous actor David Garrick. This image not only reflects the growing artistic and theatrical culture of 18th-century England but also touches on themes of identity and representation. Roubiliac's status as an immigrant in England shaped his artistic contributions, while Garrick was celebrated for his powerful interpretations of Shakespeare's characters. Here, the intersection of sculpture, theater, and literature underscores the complex ways in which identity is constructed and performed. Cook's image encapsulates a moment of creative intensity and artistic labor. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of artistic disciplines and the individuals who shaped cultural history.