21. William Hogarth (1697-1764)
and Charles Grignion I (1717-1810)
Mr. Garrick in the Character of Richard III

(click on image to print)
Hogarth: Mr. Garrick

Mr. Garrick in the Character of Richard III

Engraving and etching, 1746, 420 x 525 mm., Paulsen 165 ii/ii. Fine impression on laid paper with good margins, probably from a Boydell edition, ca. 1780 or earlier. The literary reference is, of course, to Shakespeare's Richard the Third, Act 5, Scene 7. David Garrick (1717-1779), regarded as one of the greatest actors in the history of the British stage, is shown as Richard on the couch in his tent, awakening and grasping his sword.