Literary Characters Assembled Around the Medallion of Shakespeare (1776)

John Hamilton Mortimer's "Literary Characters Assembled Around the Medallion of Shakespeare," created in 1776, is a fascinating piece that uniquely combines the realms of literary history and visual art. In this detailed etching, Mortimer arranges a group of fictional characters around a central medallion that features a portrait of William Shakespeare, arguably the most influential figure in English literature.In this tightly-knit and somewhat chaotic gathering, each character appears distinct, expressing a vibrant array of emotions and attitudes that reflect their individual stories and personalities. The central figure, sporting a dramatic and somewhat menacing mask, suggests the complex interplay of identity and disguise, themes common in Shakespeare's works. Surrounding this figure are faces that depict a mixture of sorrow, contemplation, joy, and anguish. This suggests the wide range of human experiences Shakespeare captured in his plays.The composition itself is a visual metaphor for Shakespeare's overarching influence on the world of literature and drama. Each character, while unique, is bound together by the literary legacy of Shakespeare, depicted by the medallion above. The diverse expressions and interactions among the figures could be interpreted as a reflection on the universal themes found in Shakespeare’s works which continue to resonate across different cultures and eras.This etching not only celebrates Shakespeare but also showcases Mortimer’s skill in capturing the essence of diverse characters through facial expressions and dynamic composition.