Shakespeare’s The Tempest – “Miranda” by Caroline Watson

A beautifully executed late 18th-century stipple engraving entitled Miranda, engraved by Caroline Watson after an original painting by Robert Edge Pine. This delicate scene illustrates a moment from Shakespeare’s The Tempest, capturing Miranda, Prospero, and Caliban witnessing the shipwrecked Ferdinand—a pivotal moment filled with wonder and the hint of romance.

The composition is rich in emotional tension and theatrical poise: Miranda reaches forward with sympathy and awe, Prospero holds her back with a firm but tender grip, Caliban crouches by the instruments of astronomy, and Ferdinand approaches in the distance. Above, the airy figure of Ariel floats in the clouds, orchestrating the magical storm. The engraving is dedicated to “Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire,” a prominent patron of the arts during the period.

MIRANDA: What is’t, a Spirit?
Lord, how it looks about! Believe me, Sir, It carries a brave form. But ’tis a Spirit!
I might call him a thing divine, for nothing natural I ever saw so noble.

Published January 1st, 1783 by R. E. Pine, Albermarle Street.

Annotation at the bottom:  To Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire, This Plate is with permission respectfully inscribed.

Copperplate engraving
Dimensions: 37.5 x 45 cm