Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Sights > British Museum
The Infant Shakespeare Attended by Nature and the Passions, published 1799. Creators: Benjamin Smith, John Boydell, Josiah Boydell
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The Infant Shakespeare Attended by Nature and the Passions, published 1799. Creators: Benjamin Smith, John Boydell, Josiah Boydell
The Infant Shakespeare Attended by Nature and the Passions, published 1799
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36373301
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1790s Alderman Boydell Alderman John Boydell Benjamin Smith Boydell John Boydell John I Child Care Childcare Cloaked Curiosity Curious Inquisitive J J Boydell John Boydell Josiah Boydell Passion Personification Personifying Shakespeare Shakespeare William Shakspeare Stipple Engraving Uncertainty William Shakespeare Infancy Infant Posture
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> John Boydell
> Arts
> Artists
> S
> William Shakespeare
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> John White
> Arts
> Artists
> W
> William White
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> British Museum
The Infant Shakespeare Attended by Nature and the Passions
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating stipple engraving created by Benjamin Smith, published by John Boydell and Josiah Boydell in 1799. This evocative image transports us back to the 18th century, specifically the 1790s, and invites us to ponder the curious world of infancy and the influences that shape our lives from an early age. At the center of the composition, the infant Shakespeare, dressed in a simple white gown, sits in a pastoral setting, surrounded by personifications of Nature and the Passions. Nature, depicted as a woman with flowing robes and a crown of flowers, tenderly touches the infant's head, while the Passions, represented by a man and a woman, look on with curiosity and uncertainty. The man, personifying Inspiration, kneels at Shakespeare's feet, holding a quill and inkpot, suggesting the future playwright's destiny as a writer. The engraving's composition and posture of the figures convey a sense of wonder and intrigue, as if to ask, "What lies within this child that will shape the course of literature and art?" The use of black and white, or stipple engraving, adds depth and texture to the image, further emphasizing the timeless quality of the scene. This evocative work of art, now in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, invites us to reflect on the power of nature, the passions, and the potential within each of us, especially during the formative years of infancy and childhood. The Infant Shakespeare Attended by Nature and the Passions remains a testament to the enduring allure of the human spirit and the mysteries of our own development.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
