Illustration for Tales From Shakespeare 1923

This color print illustrates a scene from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Czech artist Artuš Scheiner. The lithographic process allowed for the creation of detailed images with delicate gradations of color, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. These techniques, refined in the 19th century, democratized image production, moving away from unique artworks toward mass-produced prints. Note the layered application of colors, creating depth and texture in the forest setting. The figures are rendered with fine lines, the soft hues enhancing the magical quality of the scene. Scheiner’s choice of printmaking reflects a shift in the art world towards broader accessibility and consumption. Printed illustrations, like this one, brought literary classics to a wider audience, underscoring the cultural and commercial forces shaping artistic production at the turn of the century. Appreciating this print involves considering not only its aesthetic qualities but also the social context and the means of its making.