signed and dated 'W.HATHERELL./1880.' (upper left)oil on canvas Unframed: 51 x 41 cm. (20 1/8 x 16 1/8 in.) Framed: 84.5 x 74.5 cm. (33 1/4 x 29 3/8 in.)Provenance:Sale; Christies, London, 13 December 1978, lot 309, where purchased by the present owner.Notes:Born in Bristol, William Hatherall studied at the Royal Academy Schools from 1877-1879. Following his studies he created illustrations for a variety of magazines and books whilst also exhibiting work at the Royal Academy from 1879. He also became a member of several exhibiting societies including the Royal Institute of Painters in Water-Colours (1888), the Royal Institute of Painters in Oils (1898), the Royal West of England Academy (1903) and the Royal British Colonial Society of Artists. As evident in the present portrait, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was the inspiration for Hatherell's work on multiple occasions; for example, he produced 22 watercolours for Hodder's edition of the play. Another example of Hatherell's interpretations of moments in the play is currently held in the Tate collection (Reference: N02937) where Juliet is presented on her balcony calling out for Romeo.