![]() ![]() ![]() However, Don John hears of this plan and intends to block it. Claudio tells Benedick that he intends to woo Hero, so Don Pedro promises to disguise himself as Claudio at the masked ball that evening, to gain Leonato’s approval for Claudio’s suit. When Leonato welcomes Don Pedro, Beatrice and Benedick engage in bitingly witty repartee. Thomas Francis Dicksee’s portrait of Beatrice from 1883 refers to this in the quoted lines: Thomas Francis Dicksee (1819–1895), Beatrice (1883), oil on canvas, 36.2 x 29.8 cm, location not known. In the Prince’s party are Count Claudio and his friend Benedick, who has become the butt of Beatrice’s wickedly derogatory humour. The Prince is about to visit Leonato, Governor of Messina, his daughter Hero and niece Beatrice. The Prince of Aragon, Don Pedro, has just defeated his illegitimate half-brother Don John, although the two have already been reconciled. As a result it has been painted by a range of British artists, and was well-covered in engravings for Boydell’s Shakespeare Gallery. Its underlying story has appeared in many places, but the parallel plot involving Beatrice and Benedick seems original. William Shakespeare’s play Much Ado About Nothing has remained a popular comedy with audiences since it was first performed, probably in the autumn of 1598. ![]()
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