Alexandre Bida
1813-1895
The Ghost of Caesar with Brutus, from Julius Cesar
ca. 1880
8 1/16 x 6 1/8 inches (205 x 154 mm)
Black chalk, with white chalk, on blue paper; squared for transfer.
1991.21:3
Purchased on the Gordon N. Ray Fund.
Notes
In 1880, the publishing house Hachette decided to produce a third edition of its popular illustrated "Works of William Shakespeare." Bida was commissioned to design the illustrations, having successfully illuminated the Bible and the works of Moliére. The five chalk drawings in the Morgan's collection were preliminary studies that served as the basis for a set of watercolors. Forty watercolors related to the project were sold with Bida's estate in 1896 and are now in the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC.
In this episode from "Julius Caesar" (IV, 3), Bida depicts the night before the Battle of Philippi, when Brutus, a Roman politician who participated in the assassination of Caesar, is interrupted while reading by the ghost of Caesar. The ghost foretells Brutus's defeat, warning him, "Thou shalt see me at Philippi." Two soldiers, Varro and Claudius, remain asleep on the floor of Brutus's tent, unaware of the apparition.
In this episode from "Julius Caesar" (IV, 3), Bida depicts the night before the Battle of Philippi, when Brutus, a Roman politician who participated in the assassination of Caesar, is interrupted while reading by the ghost of Caesar. The ghost foretells Brutus's defeat, warning him, "Thou shalt see me at Philippi." Two soldiers, Varro and Claudius, remain asleep on the floor of Brutus's tent, unaware of the apparition.
Inscriptions/Markings
Signed in black chalk, at lower right, with initial "B"; inscribed below, "Julius Cesar".
Associated names
Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Julius Caesar.
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Classification
Century Drawings
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