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A playbill illustrating a theatrical scene and labeling the performers and members of the audience

In the upper half of a sheet of printed paper, a horizontal rectangle contains an illustration showing 17th century actors performing in a theater and an audience watching from box seats on either side. Small numbers appear over the heads of both performers and audience members and these correspond to names listed below the image. At the center of the scene stands a man in a hat and tailcoat. On either side of him stand two men, the one at left holding a set of keys. Two women are kneeling, one each in front of both men while figures in the background argue with each other.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
G370
People
William Blake, British (London, England 1757 - 1827 London, England)
Title
Key to Beggar's Opera
Classification
Prints
Work Type
print
Date
18th-19th century
Culture
British
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/276180

Physical Descriptions

Technique
Engraving

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Francis Calley Gray, bequest to nephew, 1856.
William Gray, gift to Harvard University, 1857.

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
And. 5, Le Bl. 6

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Fogg Museum, Gift of William Gray from the collection of Francis Calley Gray
Object Number
G370
Division
European and American Art
Contact
am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu
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Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of European and American Art at am_europeanamerican@harvard.edu