ArtTalk: Shakespeare in Art
Wed 20th May
2pm - 3:15 UK Time
Tutor: Martin Beek
Bookings Close: 6 May
In this talk, Martin will focus on how William Shakespeare’s plays have inspired countless noteworthy paintings, particularly by artists such as William Hogarth, Henry Fuseli and William Blake.
In the 19th century some of the best known paintings of John Everett Millais, William Holman Hunt, William Powell Frith and Daniel Maclise also drew wholeheartedly upon, and embraced, Shakespearean themes.
Midsummer Night’s Dream was a popular inspiration for Victorian “fairy painters”. Macbeth and Hamlet led others to engage with darker aspects of the human character. Other paintings depict the plight of lovers and their dilemmas.
We will also look at some of the great actors of Shakespearean theatre, such as David Garrick, Sarah Siddons, and Henry Irving.
Martin will provide a list of helpful books and links to further explore on a PDF following each of the talks via the class information page.
