Who painted Scene from 'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare?

Scene from 'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare was painted by Charles Robert Leslie in 1836.

Where can I see Scene from 'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare?

Scene from 'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Scene from 'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare

Scene from 'The Taming of the Shrew' by William Shakespeare is an oil painting by Charles Robert Leslie. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Charles Robert Leslie’s oil painting, executed around 1836, captures a moment from Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew. The work is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection. It presents an interior scene populated by several figures, arranged around a central, shirtless male holding a sword and a cloak, while a seated woman watches him with concern.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates a pivotal exchange between the play’s protagonists, emphasizing the tension between male assertiveness and female resistance. The central figure’s exposed torso and weapon suggest a challenge or confrontation, while the woman’s attentive yet uneasy gaze reflects the play’s themes of domination and negotiation within marital dynamics.

Technique & Style

Leslie employs a muted palette typical of early‑19th‑century British genre painting, rendering the figures with careful modelling and soft chiaroscuro. The brushwork is smooth, allowing fine detail in the clothing, tableware, and architectural elements such as the arched doorway, which together create a believable domestic setting.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1836, the canvas entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings in the early 20th century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in British narrative painting and in visual interpretations of Shakespearean drama.

Context

Leslie, an American‑born artist who spent much of his career in England, was known for literary subjects. This work aligns with his broader oeuvre, which frequently translated scenes from classic texts into accessible, anecdotal visual narratives, catering to a Victorian audience familiar with Shakespeare’s plays.