The artwork, titled “Ideal Portrait of Shakespeare,” was created by Angelica Kauffman circa 1775. It belongs to the Neoclassicism art movement and falls under the genre of portraiture. This piece exemplifies Kauffman’s interpretation of William Shakespeare, encapsulated in a refined and idealized representation typical of the Neoclassical style.
This portrait features a bust of William Shakespeare, set within an ornate frame, against a subtly shaded background. Shakespeare is depicted with a composed expression, adorned in traditional Elizabethan attire including a ruffled collar and a dark, buttoned doublet. Surrounding the portrait is an oval frame embellished with laurel leaves, symbolizing honor and artistic achievement. Below the bust is a secondary scene in an oval frame, depicting a woman in classical attire laying down a wreath, likely indicating reverence and homage to Shakespeare’s literary contributions. Rich, red drapery cascades around the edges of the artwork, adding a sense of grandeur and theatricality. The presence of books and a golden chalice in the composition further accentuates the intellectual and creative stature of the subject.
