Globe Theatre and River Thames at the time of Shakespeare

Description

Oil painting on panel, c. 1980-1, by Arthur Keene (b. 7.3.1930), commissioned by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust for the 1981 extension of the Shakespeare Centre and painted especially for the section of wall behind the bar; showing the River Thames and the Globe Theatre at the time of Shakespeare. The view of London is based on Visscher's 'Long-view' and Hollar's drawing of the city. The picture shows the Globe with bear-baiting arena to the rear left. People are shown leaving the theatre at the end of a performance and some are shown crossing the Thames by river boat. The theatre is surrounded by trees, with medieval houses around it. Across the river, the cathedral of St. Paul's is dominant. Ships and river trade vessels are implied, with the busy world of the city beyond. The style of the painting was inspired by Turner's work.