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Shakespeare Reading

Dimensions
165.0 x 99.0cm

This 1873 portrait by William Page captures Shakespeare in quiet contemplation. Shop this timeless oil on canvas reproduction today.

An American portraitist known for his remarkable Titian copies. Discover the timeless art of William Page today.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting Switch to Digital Image)

Corner sample of the P118B picture frame: moulded polystyrene, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
P118B $10
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W316G $10
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W316PJ $8
Corner sample of the W316Y picture frame: solid wood, 6 cm wide and 3 cm thick
W316Y $10
Corner sample of the W398PJ picture frame: solid wood, 5 cm wide and 3 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W4111J picture frame: solid wood, 6.5 cm wide and 3.5 cm thick
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Corner sample of the W500HY picture frame: solid wood, 7 cm wide and 5 cm thick
W500HY $15
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W500JH $15
Corner sample of the W692G picture frame: solid wood, 8 cm wide and 4 cm thick
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W953PJ $8

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Total Price

$ 62

Shakespeare Reading

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 62

Quick Facts

  • Medium: oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 165.3 x 99.2 cm
  • Artistic style: 19th-century academic portrait
  • Notable elements or techniques: Visible oil paint texture, soft lines
  • Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the medium used for this artwork?
Question 2:
In what year was this painting created?
Question 3:
Where is this artwork currently located?
Question 4:
What is the subject's occupation as identified in the classification?
Question 5:
What is the approximate size of the painting in centimeters?

A Moment of Quiet Contemplation

A man sits in a moment of profound stillness, his attention anchored to a small book held within his hands. The composition is a vertical three-quarter length portrait, positioning the subject slightly off-center to create an intimate, scholarly atmosphere. Deep browns, burgundies, and dark greens dominate the palette, grounding the figure in a somber, academic environment. Light enters from the upper left, casting soft shadows across the face and catching the crisp white of a collar, which provides a sharp point of contrast against the heavy, dark fabrics of his doublet. The setting is defined by layered textures and indistinct shadows. A heavy green drapery and a red cloth-covered surface provide a sense of depth behind the figure, ensuring the focus remains on the intellectual pursuit symbolized by the act of reading.

Technical Execution and Composition

The oil on canvas reveals a classical, realistic style characterized by visible brushwork and a focus on the tactile quality of materials. The artist employs a painterly approach to define the folds of the clothing and the weight of the textiles.
  • Medium: oil on canvas
  • Date: 1873-1874
  • Subject: Portrait male, knee length
  • Classification: Recreation — leisure — reading; Occupation — writer — playwright
The perspective is set at eye-level, establishing a direct connection between the viewer and the subject. This arrangement emphasizes the quietude of the scene, transforming a formal portrait into a study of concentration.

Historical Context and Style

Created in 1873-1874, this work reflects a 19th-century academic approach to portraiture. The style is reminiscent of the great masters, particularly the influence of Titian, which the artist sought to master during his time in Italy. The painting captures a sense of scholarly gravity, utilizing a formal structure to depict a figure engaged in private thought. The work remains part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum collection.

Questions & Answers

Which room is "Shakespeare Reading" by William Page recommended for?

A reproduction of "Shakespeare Reading" fits well in an office.

How strong are the colors of "Shakespeare Reading"?

The colors of "Shakespeare Reading" by William Page show a subtle color saturation with a monochromatic intensity.

How do I download the image of "Shakespeare Reading" by William Page?

A download is available for "Shakespeare Reading": the artwork's Download page offers a high-resolution digital image download.


Artist Biography

The Life and Artistic Journey of William Page

Born in Albany, United States, William Page was a versatile American painter and portrait artist. His early training began in the office of Frederick de Peyster, followed by studies in the studio of James Herring. He eventually became a pupil of Samuel F. Morse and enrolled at the National Academy of Design, where his drawings in the antique class earned him a silver medal. After a brief period studying theology at the Andover Theological Seminar and Amherst College, he returned to the world of art.

Page's career saw him move between New York and Boston, eventually spending eleven years residing in Florence and Rome. During his time in Italy, he painted portraits of notable figures such as Robert and Elizabeth Browning. He was deeply inspired by the works of the great masters, particularly Titian, whose painting method he sought to discover. His copies of Titian's works were so remarkable that one was once seized by Florentine authorities under the belief that it was an original.

Notable Works and Legacy

Throughout his career, Page executed a wide array of subjects, from religious scenes like "Moses and Aaron on Mount Horeb" and "The Holy Family" to portraits of prominent individuals. His portraiture included likenesses of:

In addition to his painting, Page was a man of diverse interests; he wrote A New Geometrical Method of Measuring the Human Figure and held patents for various improvements in guns and boats. He died on Staten Island.

William Page

William Page

1811 - 1885 , United States

Quick Facts

  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Titian']
  • Full Name: William Page
  • Nationality: American
  • Notable Artworks:
    • View of Athens
    • Venus
    • Moses and Aaron on Mount Horeb
    • Infant Bacchus
    • Flight into Egypt
    • The Young Merchants
    • The Last Interview
    • Ruth and Naomi
    • Cupid
  • Place Of Birth: Albany, United States
  • Date Of Birth: 1811
  • Date Of Death: 1885