Artwork
Macbeth
Macbeth is a drawing by Arthur Keene. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A graphite drawing by Arthur Keene captures Paul Scofield in the role of Macbeth during a 1967 Royal Shakespeare Company production. The work is a study in performance, rendered with precision and restraint, documenting Scofield’s portrayal under the direction of Sir Peter Hall. Vivien Merchant portrayed Lady Macbeth in the same staging.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing isolates Macbeth in a moment of introspection, emphasizing his psychological weight rather than theatrical grandeur. Keene’s focus on the actor’s posture and expression conveys the character’s inner turmoil, aligning with the production’s emphasis on psychological realism over spectacle.
Technique & Style
Executed in graphite, the drawing employs subtle tonal gradations and delicate linework to suggest texture and form. Keene avoids dramatic shading, favoring clarity and economy of line, which mirrors the restrained aesthetic of the RSC’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragedy.
History & Provenance
Created in August 1967, the drawing was made during the run of the RSC’s production at Stratford-upon-Avon. It was likely intended as a record of the performance, preserving Scofield’s interpretation for archival and artistic purposes within the company’s documentation.
Context
This production emerged during a period when the RSC was redefining Shakespearean staging with psychological depth and minimalist design. Keene’s drawing reflects the era’s shift away from ornate costumes and toward intimate, actor-centered interpretations of classical texts.
Legacy
The drawing remains a visual document of a significant moment in British theatre history, preserving Scofield’s acclaimed performance for study and reference. It contributes to the broader archive of theatrical portraiture that values ephemeral stage moments as enduring artistic records.
Artist & collection
Artist
Arthur Keene made a single 1967 ink drawing titled *Macbeth*, staging the witches’ cauldron scene in sharp, wiry lines that feel more like stage directions than decoration.
