Mychael Barratt The Tempest etching

Mychael Barratt’s The Tempest draws on one of Shakespeare’s most enduring plays, bringing together Prospero, Ariel, Miranda, Ferdinand, and Caliban in a composition that is both theatrical and highly narrative. Barratt’s skill as a printmaker is evident in the fine etched linework and subtle use of colour, balancing the magical elements of the story with a distinctly human cast of characters.

Born in Toronto and later establishing his career in England, Barratt became one of Britain’s most respected contemporary printmakers. His longstanding interest in literature, theatre, history, and storytelling runs throughout his work. He served as President of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers and was Artist-in-Residence at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre during the tenure of Mark Rylance. His work is represented in major public collections, including the British Museum, the British Library, and the Ashmolean Museum.

Professionally framed with a double mat and non-glare glass, the presentation complements the cool palette of the print while giving the intimate image a strong presence on the wall. Whether acquired for a personal collection or given as a gift to a theatre lover, Shakespeare enthusiast, or collector of fine prints, The Tempest offers a thoughtful connection between literature and printmaking.

For collectors in Southern Ontario, the subject carries a particular resonance. The region’s rich theatre tradition, anchored by the Stratford Festival and nearby Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, has fostered generations of Shakespeare enthusiasts and theatre patrons. Barratt’s connection to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre adds an additional layer of interest for collectors drawn to the stage as well as the visual arts.