Who painted The Winter's Tale?

The Winter's Tale was painted by Unknown in 1887.

Where can I see The Winter's Tale?

The Winter's Tale is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Winter's Tale?

The Winter's Tale is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

The Winter's Tale

Unknown , 1887

The Winter's Tale is a print by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The print captures a moment on Wellington Street in front of London’s Lyceum Theatre in 1887, depicting two leading actresses of the era.

About this work

This print shows two actresses on London’s Wellington Street outside the Lyceum Theatre.

This print shows two actresses on London’s Wellington Street outside the Lyceum Theatre. Sarah Bernhardt stands on the left, finishing her summer run. Mary Anderson walks right, about to star in *The Winter’s Tale*—her third season there.

Anderson played Hermione and her grown daughter Perdita in one night. The print freezes a real 1887 moment: one star leaving, another entering.

Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to see more theater history like this.

Overview

The print captures a moment on Wellington Street in front of London’s Lyceum Theatre in 1887, depicting two leading actresses of the era. On the left, French star Sarah Bernhardt is shown as she concludes her summer engagement, while on the right, American actress Mary Anderson arrives to begin her third season at the house, soon to appear in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale.

Subject & Meaning

The image records the transition between two theatrical personalities: Bernhardt’s departure marks the end of a celebrated series of performances, whereas Anderson’s entrance signals the launch of a major production in which she would assume the dual roles of Queen Hermione and her daughter Perdita, highlighting the demanding versatility expected of leading ladies.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the work employs line and shading to delineate the bustling street scene, emphasizing the figures against the architectural backdrop of the Lyceum. The composition balances the static presence of Bernhardt with Anderson’s forward motion, creating a narrative tension that mirrors the theatrical shift.

History & Provenance

The print documents the 1887 staging of The Winter’s Tale at the Lyceum, a production that ran for 160 performances in London before touring the United States. The cast featured Johnston Forbes‑Robertson as King Leontes alongside Anderson’s dual portrayal. Anderson’s career ended after a collapse onstage in Washington in 1889, leading to her retirement and the dissolution of her company.

Context

During the late nineteenth century, the Lyceum Theatre was a hub for high‑profile Shakespearean revivals, attracting international stars such as Bernhardt and Anderson. Their appearances reflected the era’s transatlantic exchange of theatrical talent and the growing public fascination with celebrity performers.