Hero, Ursula and Beatrice (Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, Act 3, Scene 1) 1790 - 1852

Peter Simon created this stipple engraving, "Hero, Ursula and Beatrice" after a painting by Robert Smirke illustrating Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing". It was a time of social and political upheaval as the French Revolution challenged traditional hierarchies. This print visualizes a pivotal moment where Hero and Ursula conspire to make Beatrice believe that Benedick is in love with her. The gaze of the women, their gestures, their luxurious dresses adorned with lace and fur, all contribute to the scene. Yet, despite appearances, the women are trapped within patriarchal constraints, their roles largely defined by marriage prospects and social expectations. Shakespeare’s comedies are renowned for complex female characters who challenge societal norms, and subvert the traditional representations of women. The intimate act of women together invites us to consider the emotional and social bonds that women forge in a world that often seeks to limit their power. The scene reveals the strength, vulnerability, and complexities of female relationships in shaping personal and collective destinies.