The artwork titled “Prospero in Secret Studies – from The Tempest” was created by Edmund Dulac, a prominent artist associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement. This illustration is a part of Dulac’s series “The Tempest,” which visually interprets William Shakespeare’s celebrated play.
The artwork vividly portrays Prospero, a central character from Shakespeare’s play, immersed in his arcane studies within a richly detailed medieval laboratory. Prospero is depicted standing before an open book placed on a wooden stand under the soft, suffused lighting that adds a mystic ambiance to the scene. Dressed in elaborate robes adorned with intricate patterns, Prospero holds a small vial in one hand, suggesting his engagement in alchemy or magical practices. The background features an array of alchemical apparatus, books, and tools meticulously arranged across several tables, underscoring the scholarly and mystical themes of the illustration. The floor is patterned with a monochrome checkered design, adding depth to the scene and emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Dulac’s work.
