Malvolio abusing Maria, Fabian and Sir Toby 1822

This watercolor drawing by Robert Smirke, created in 1822, depicts a scene from Shakespeare's *Twelfth Night*. The piece shows Malvolio, a character known for his pomposity and arrogance, being mocked by Maria, Fabian, and Sir Toby. The composition is a snapshot of the play’s humor, with Malvolio in the foreground and the other characters looking on with amusement. Smirke captures the essence of the scene through his skillful use of line and wash, giving the piece a sense of movement and energy. The artwork is a testament to Smirke's talent for portraying the characters of Shakespeare's plays with a captivating sense of realism.