Shakespeare's Artists: The Painters, Sculptors, Poets and Musicians in his Plays and Poems

Shakespeare's work is influenced by a fascination study of poets, musicians, and visual artists portrayed or described in his plays and poems, revealing an enthusiasm for art and its makers that continued to influence him throughout his career. It also reveals unexpected aspects of Elizabethan consumption of artworks, which had a significant bearing on Shakespeare's own profession.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This in-depth exploration of the diverse array of poets, musicians, and visual artists depicted artists portrayed or described in Shakespeare's plays and poems unveils a profound fascination with art and its creators that persisted throughout his illustrious career. Furthermore, it sheds light on unexpected facets of an enthusiastic Elizabethan consumption of artworks, an enthusiasm that had a profound impact on the emerging profession that Shakespeare himself pursued. A profound appreciation for art and artists, accompanied by both admiration and apprehension towards them, shaped the intricate reception of the artist's figure, and Shakespeare's writings reflect this multifaceted complexity.

The study delves into the intricate tapestry of Shakespeare's plays and poems, unraveling the diverse array of poets, musicians, and visual artists who graced the stage and page. It reveals a profound fascination with art and its makers that continued to influence Shakespeare's work throughout his career. This fascination extended beyond mere admiration, as Shakespeare's writings also explored the complexities and fears associated with artists and their creations.

One notable aspect of this study is the high valuation placed on art and artists during the Elizabethan era. Shakespeare's works reflect the societal appreciation for the creative spirit. This valuation not only acknowledged the artistic merit of artworks but also recognized the economic and cultural significance of artists in society. It is evident that Shakespeare's portrayal of artists was influenced by this societal recognition, as he depicted them with a mixture of admiration, respect, and sometimes even skepticism.

However, alongside this admiration for art, Shakespeare also harbored certain fears and apprehensions towards artists. These fears were rooted in the societal uncertainties and complexities of the time. Artists were often viewed as a threat to established social hierarch. They were seen as disruptors, challenging the norms and conventions of the day. Shakespeare's writings reflect this apprehension, as he portrays artists as both admired and feared figures.

On one hand, Shakespeare portrays artists as visionaries and creators, whose works have the power to inspire, challenge, and transform. He celebrates the artistic spirit. In his plays, he presents artists as individuals who possess a unique ability to tap into the depths of human emotion and convey it through their creations. Shakespeare's portrayal of artists as visionaries is evident in his works, such as "Romeo and Juliet," "Macbeth," and "Hamlet." These plays showcase the artistic brilliance of the characters, their passion for their craft, and their willingness to sacrifice everything for their art.

On the other hand, Shakespeare also portrays artists as dangerous and unstable individuals. He depicts them as being driven by their eg art, often at the expense of their own well-being. In "Othello," for example, Shakespeare presents Othello as a tragic figure who is consumed by his jealousy and his desire for artistic perfection. Othello's obsession with his art leads him to commit acts of violence and ultimately destroys his own life and the lives of those around him.

Shakespeare's treatment of artists is equal to the complexity of their societal reception. He presents them as both admired and feared figures, recognizing the societal uncertainties and complexities of the time. Shakespeare's writings. His writings reflect the societal recognition of the artistic merit of artworks while also exploring the fears and apprehensions associated with them.

In conclusion, this study of the diverse array of poets. Of poets, musicians, and visual artists portrayed or described in Shakespeare's plays and poems. And poems unveils a profound fascination with art and its creators that persisted throughout his illustrious career. It sheds light on unexpected facets of an enthusiastic Elizabethan consumption of artworks, an enthusiasm that had a profound impact on the emerging profession that Shakespeare himself. And pursued. A profound appreciation for art and artists, accompanied by both admiration and apprehension towards them, shaped the intricate reception of the artist's figure, and Shakespeare's writings reflect this multifaceted complexity.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350122444