Henry IV: Falstaff in an Indoor Theatre: 1662.

This is the frontispiece of Henry Marsh's The Wits (1662), which reprints 'entertainments' presented by Robert Cox after theatres were closed by the Civil War. Seven 'Humours,' including Falstaff and 'Hostess' Quickly, occupy an indoor stage typical of Stuart private theatres such as the Blackfriars of Shakespeare's company. The sketch shows likely costumes for these figures. From his prominent position downstage it is clear that Falstaff maintains the earlier popularity recognized by Leonard Digges in his verse prelude to an edition of the Poems (1640) when he says "let but Falstaff come, Hal, Poins, the rest, you scarce shall have room." Reprinted by permission of the Huntington Library, San Marino, California.