Quote from the Taming of the Shrew, Induction: "And if the boy have not a woman's gift to rain a shower of commanded tears an onion will do well for such a shift - which in a napkin being close conveyed shall in despite enforce a watering eye."

Perhaps the key to Shakespeare's character
was a steady professionalism.

Neither of these Greek muses can lead him astray. They are Thalia - who offers comedy,
and Melpomeme - who tempts him with tragedy.

the Westall portrait of Shakespeare and the Muses

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Featuring Shakespeare title - click here to return to the intro page
Why change his image?
To celebrate him?
To promote him?
To play at politics?

To reinvent him?
the early likenesses
 his first published portrait One from the family gallery
his funeral bust
 A stately statue

Start Over - Go to Windows on Warwickshire - The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust