Mrs. Gwyn & Mrs. Bunbury in the Characters of The Merry Wives of Windsor

Art Historical Context

Step into the lively world of 18th British theater with this enchanting mezzotint print,Mrs. Gwyn & Mrs. Bunbury in the Characters of The Merry Wives of Windsor Created in 1780 it captures celebrated actresses Mary Gwyn and Mrs. Bun (likely Catherine Bunbury) in their roles from William Shakespeare's comedic play, which premiered centuries earlier but remained a stage favorite. The image immortalizes these women as the witty, scheming heroines—Mrs. Ford and Mrs. Page—whose antics charmed audiences, reflecting the era's booming interest in Shakespearean drama and star performers. Printed in the rare first state by William Dickinson, possibly after designs by Daniel Gardner or Catherine Bunbury, this mezzotint exemplifies a revolutionary technique invented in the 17th century but perfected in Georgian England. By rocking a copper plate to create a velvety black ground, then scraping highlights, artists like Dickinson achieved luminous, painterly tones ideal for expressive portraits. At 11 3/4 × 10 11/16 inches, its intimate scale draws viewers close, highlighting the actresses' theatrical poise and elaborate costumes. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1953), this work underscores women's rising prominence on stage amid Enlightenment-era celebrity culture. It bridges literature, performance, and printmaking, offering a window into how Shakespeare's enduring tales fueled visual arts and public fascination with the footlights.