Illustration of Elizabethan Bear Baiting

Illustration of Elizabethan Bear Baiting

England--Social life and customs--16th century

In this scene, a bear chained to a large wooden stake in the middle of the arena prepares to defend itself against the on-rushing pack of dogs. In the lower left corner of the illustration, an animal handler/referee watches the scene with a large wooden club in his hand. The illustration also depicts the multi-story construction of the Elizabethan bear baiting arena. While spectators on the ground floor are crowded amongst one another, the well-to-do spectators on the upper balcony have more elbow room and a less obstructed viewing perspective.

Hodges, C. Walter (Cyril Walter), 1909-2004

Hodges, C. Walter. Shakespeare's Theater (New York: Coward-McCann, Inc., 1967), p. 49.

Coward-McCann, Inc.

1967 (First American Impression)

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JPG

embta2013-00124

Watercolor over pencil