When Shakespeare wrote his plays, they were not
printed with illustrations and most artists painted
only portraits. However his work has since influenced
many artists, providing the inspiration for drawings
and paintings.
The first book of Shakespeare's collected plays
was published in 1623. The first illustrated edition
was published in 1709, by Nicholas Rowe. Inspired
by continental classical art, the pictures printed
drew upon stage productions and included actors
in both period and contemporary fashions.
During the eighteenth century, art portraying actors
in their stage roles became increasingly popular.
The first artist to depict a character in a realistic
setting was William Hogarth. He sketched in 1728
a picture of Falstaff inspecting his troops, from
Henry IV Part 2.
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, the Romantics
began to create drawings and paintings of natural
scenes, expressing the emotions of characters they
portrayed. The Pre-Raphaelites developed this artistic
style during the nineteenth century, as shown in
the drawings and watercolours of artists such as
Rossetti. Shakespeare's influence can also be seen
in the work of artists such as Turner and Constable.
During the twentieth century, although a few artists
have produced pieces interpreting Shakespearean
themes, their influence on art has lessened. However
his works continue to be represented visually in
set designs, some of which have been used to illustrate
published editions of the plays.