William Shakespeare (1564-1616), 1850-1900
This marble bust of Shakespeare as a young man is a copy of one in the Royal Collection, attributed to eighteenth-century sculptor John Cheere. The original was acquired by King George IV to be placed in the Grand Corridor at Windsor Castle.
With the revival of theatre following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, and especially throughout the eighteenth century, prominent literary figures like the poet Alexander Pope and the prominent actor (and later theatre manager) David Garrick set out to restore the status of William Shakespear as England’s greatest literary figure. As his reputation grew, there was a new demand for representation and images of the Elizabethan poet and playwright, like this bust.
John Cheere was an English sculptor, born in London. His brother Henry was also a sculptor, and they initially shared a sculpture yard. He is now mainly remembered as creator of lead statues standing in the gardens of stately homes. He produced multiple sculptures of William Shakespeare, including a figure of Shakespeare in Drury Lane Theatre.
