Antique Print, Much Ado about Nothing, Benedick and Beatrice by Shakespeare, 1892 Romance Fiction Art (AR-A363)
 
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This print depicts Benedick and Beatrice, two central characters from William Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing. This particular artwork is a print based on a painting by Hugues Merle, copyrighted in 1881. 
 The scene features Benedick, a nobleman and soldier, and Beatrice, Leonato's niece, known for her sharp wit and disdain for marriage. Both characters are dressed in elaborate period costumes, consistent with the Elizabethan era in which Shakespeare's play is set. Benedick is shown in what appears to be a military or formal attire with a fur-lined cloak, while Beatrice wears a flowing gown with intricate details and carries a feathered fan. 
 The two characters are positioned closely, with Beatrice looking upwards towards Benedick, who is gazing at her. Their expressions and proximity suggest an intimate moment, hinting at the complex relationship between them, characterized by witty banter and a "merry war" of words that eventually leads to romance. 
The image is a black and white print, showcasing the detailed artistry of the original painting by Hugues Merle, known for his historical and genre paintings. 
Also included is the tissue paper covering with a brief description of the scene.
This is an original,  not a reproduction. It came from a destroyed 1st edition book published in 1892 by Selmar Hess called Character Sketches of Romance Fiction and Drama. There is some damage, aging to the bound side of the print. All prints are either wood engravings, etchings, photogravure, or typogravure.
Approx Size - 11.5"x 9"
Great for framing, assemblage, collage art, scrapbooking, college or school reports, research