Lady Jane Grey

Robert Smirke prints bring great stories to life: Falstaff and Prince Hal, the Seven Ages of Man, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, and tales from the Arabian Nights. Smirke was an English painter and illustrator and a member of the Royal Academy, who specialized in small, lively pictures of scenes from literature. This collection gathers art prints of his Shakespeare illustrations, Don Quixote scenes, Eastern romances, classical subjects and figure studies.

About Robert Smirke

Robert Smirke was born at Wigton, near Carlisle, on 15 April 1753, the son of a traveling artist. At twelve he was apprenticed to a heraldic painter in London, and at twenty he began studying at the Royal Academy Schools.

He exhibited with the Incorporated Society of Artists from 1775 and at the Royal Academy from 1786, showing small pictures inspired by Milton, James Thomson and other English poets. He was elected an associate of the Royal Academy in 1791 and a full Academician in 1793, giving Don Quixote and Sancho as his diploma work. In 1804 he was chosen as Keeper of the Academy, but King George III refused to approve him because of his revolutionary political views.

Smirke had a sharp wit and is thought to have written a series of satirical pamphlets in 1815–16 mocking the art establishment. His children included the architects Sir Robert and Sydney Smirke and the painter Mary Smirke, who translated Don Quixote for his illustrations. He died in London on 5 January 1845, aged 92.

Style and Subjects

Smirke's pictures are usually small and were often painted in monochrome so they could easily be engraved. They are lively, humorous and full of character, with expressive faces and clear storytelling.

His subjects come from literature: Shakespeare's comedies and histories, Cervantes's Don Quixote, the Arabian Nights, Johnson's Rasselas, Gil Blas and English poets such as James Thomson. His illustrations appeared in Bibles, editions of Shakespeare and the popular gift books and annuals of his day.

Famous Works

• Don Quixote and Sancho Panza (1793), Royal Academy of Arts, London. His diploma work for the Royal Academy.
• The Cession of Matavai to Captain James Wilson (1798), SOAS, University of London. A rare scene of contemporary history in Tahiti.
• The Seven Ages of Man – The Infant (1801). From his series on Jaques's speech in As You Like It.
• Henry IV, Part I: The Road by Gadshill (1803). Falstaff and his companions in Shakespeare's comic robbery scene.
• Malvolio Dancing. A comic scene from Twelfth Night.
• Sancho Panza and the Duchess, Tate, London. One of his many scenes from Don Quixote.

Decorating with Smirke Prints

Smirke's Shakespeare and Don Quixote scenes are a natural fit for a library, study or reading room. Their warm browns and soft colors suit traditional interiors and look handsome in dark wood or gilt frames, especially hung as a series.

His Arabian Nights and classical scenes add a storybook touch to a hallway or guest room, and his figure studies make an interesting gallery wall for a book lover's home.

FAQ

Who was Robert Smirke the painter?

Robert Smirke (1753–1845) was an English painter and illustrator and a member of the Royal Academy, known for small, lively pictures of scenes from literature. He was the father of the architect Sir Robert Smirke.

What is Robert Smirke known for?

He is best known for his illustrations of Shakespeare, Don Quixote, the Arabian Nights and English poets, many of which were engraved for books.

Where can I see Smirke's original work?

His works are in the Royal Academy of Arts, Tate and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, among other collections.

How can you recognize a Robert Smirke painting?

Look for small, humorous scenes from plays and novels, with expressive faces, theatrical poses and clear storytelling, often in soft or monochrome tones made for engraving.

Why did King George III block Smirke's appointment?

In 1804 the Royal Academy chose Smirke as its Keeper, but the king refused to approve him because of his revolutionary political opinions. Henry Fuseli was appointed instead.

Related Artists

• Thomas Stothard — fellow Royal Academician and illustrator of English literature
• Henry Fuseli — painter of Shakespeare subjects, appointed Keeper in his place
• Francis Wheatley — English painter who also painted Shakespeare scenes for engraving