Smithsonian American Art Museum
The Merry Wives of Windsor: Dr. Caius, Simple and Dame Quickly
Robert Walter Weir, born New York City 1803-died New York City 1889 · 1830
American artists, actors, and writers during the nineteenth century were still heavily influenced by English literature, and Shakespeare’s plays enjoyed many revivals. In this painting, Robert W. Weir illustrated a moment in The Merry Wives of Windsor when a character finds his rival’s servant in his closet. Weir gave the two men comical expressions of horror to emphasize the slapstick nature of the scene.
🔒
Order museum-quality prints
Sign in to order prints, canvas, and more of this work. Browsing and full-resolution downloads stay free.
