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Edmund Kean as Shakespeares Richard III
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Edmund Kean as Shakespeares Richard III
Edmund Kean as Shakespeares Richard III, at Drury Lane Theatre in 1814. Seen here in Act V, looking troubled on the eve of the Battle of Boswell.
1814
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1810s 1814 Boots Boswell Doublet Drury Edmund Ermine Haunted Hose Kean Lane Pose Shakespeare Shakespearean Troubled Villain
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Edmund Kean as Shakespeare's Richard III: A Portrait of Regal Malevolence (1814) Edmund Kean's portrayal of Richard III at Drury Lane Theatre in 1814 is considered one of the most iconic performances in Shakespearean history. In this image from the era, Kean is depicted in the final act of the play, on the eve of the Battle of Bosworth. The villainous monarch, clad in a rich ermine-trimmed robe and a menacing sword, gazes intently into the distance, his face a mask of troubled contemplation. The English actor, born in 1787, was renowned for his ability to embody the darkest and most complex characters with unparalleled skill. His portrayal of Richard III, a hunchbacked, power-hungry tyrant, was a tour de force that left audiences both enthralled and disturbed. Kean's mastery of the role was such that he reportedly caused riots in the theatre, with some spectators unable to bear the sight of his villainy. In this photograph, taken from the 1810s, Kean's Richard III is a study in contrasts. The regal ermine robe and classical doublet and hose are juxtaposed with the ominous boots and haunted expression on his face. The sword, a symbol of power and violence, lies at his side, a reminder of the bloody battles that lie ahead. The stage behind him is shrouded in darkness, adding to the sense of foreboding and impending doom. This image is a testament to Edmund Kean's extraordinary talent and his ability to bring Shakespeare's most notorious villain to life on the stage. It remains an enduring symbol of the power of theatre to transport us to another world and to leave a lasting impression on our imaginations.
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