Mr. Dyott as Leontes: "I have drank and seen the Spider" (Winter's Tale, Act 2, Scene 1) 1855

This print, titled "Mr. Dyott as Leontes: 'I have drank and seen the Spider' (Winter's Tale, Act 2, Scene 1)", was created in 1855 by Robert Thew, an English artist known for his theatrical portraits. The print depicts actor Mr. Dyott in costume as Leontes, a character from Shakespeare's play "The Winter's Tale," captured in a moment of emotional distress, likely inspired by the play's famous "spider" scene. The image is framed within an ornate oval, highlighting the central figure of Mr. Dyott, and includes smaller vignettes in the lower corners, adding to the theatrical aesthetic. The work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, is a fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th-century stage performance.