Love Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare
For over 20 years, an inherited first edition (1957) sat upon a shelf in the den. I now share the gorgeous illustrations by Vera Bock, and a bit about her.
When my love swears she is made of truth,
I do believe her, though I know she lies ...
- The Passionate Pilgrim
Vera’s illustrations follow the passage of the Sonnet or Poem that inspired her.
If he be dead, - O no, it cannot be ...
- Venus and Adonis
Born in St. Petersburg, Vera Bock (1902 – 2006) fled the Russian Empire with her family. “Vera and her family caught the last train out of Russia before the Revolution started;” Via Siberia to China, then Japan, they arrived in San Francisco in 1917.
And nothing 'gainst Time's sycthe can make defence
Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.
- Sonnet XII
Vera’s mother was a Russian concert pianist, her father an American banker.
Not Marble, nor the gilded monuments
Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme ...
- Sonnet LV
Living in London and Paris from 1919 to 1921, Vera trained in woodcutting, manuscript illumination, printing and photogravure. This added to her training in painting and drawing. From 1922 through 1923 she appears to have trained in Switzerland.
Tired with all these, from these I would be gone,
Save that, to die, I leave my love alone.
- Sonnet LXVI
Vera’s 1924 passport application and the 1925 New York State Census stated her occupation was artist, no longer student.
Love's not time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle's compass come ...
- Sonnet CXVI
From the early 1930’s, when she illustrated Depression Era posters, into the 1960’s when she illustrated for many magazines, newspapers and books, Vera was in demand and very busy. In the 1970’s and on, she continued on a slower pace, illustrating books.
Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will nor endure.
- Twelfth Night
Circa 1973 (perhaps later) Vera married her late sister’s husband, George H. Kaestlin, who died in 1981. Surviving him by 25 years, she passed away at 104 years of age.
But, ah, who ever shunn'd by precedent
The destined ill she must herself assay?
- A Lover's Complaint
All drawings ©️ Estate of Vera Bock
In 2016 The last surviving member of the Bock family, Alice Tischler (niece), donated a large collection of Vera’s original book illustrations, and more, to the Farnsworth Art Museum.
Photos of drawings from Love Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare in this post are ©️ Resa McConaghy.
Research Links
Bob Forrest writes a detailed, fascinating and credibly researched article on Vera Bock.
According to Bob Forrest Vera loved cats, big time. She dedicated the pictures in the children’s book below.
“To My Cat Serka, who, with all the dignity of his eighteen and one half years, so graciously, sometimes, consented to pose for them – the pictures in this book are respectfully dedicated.”
“It is signed “V.B.” and has a paw–print below it.”
Wow, Resa, it’s fascinating to hear about the life and work of Vera Bock! It makes me want to read King of the Cats; I think when an illustrator captures the author’s words and vision, it makes the book come to life for children (and, indeed, adults). One of my most treasured books is Ollie’s Odyssey, because of the dark, brooding illustrations. Your images of Vera Block’s work really convey how she uses color and detail to create a special mood. I really like her style, particularly the one with the hourglass and the quill, and the couple kissing beneath it. Thanks so much for sharing! 🐈⬛🌼🎨
Ada!
You are most welcome. It’s a thrill for me to share Vera Bock’s work.
I adore the illustrations in this book, and because of them I learned about the Bard’s poetry. I knew of the sonnets, but not the other poetic works.
Ollie’s Odyssey…I’ll have to check that out! It’s a new title to me.
Illustration is an underrated art form, imo. I adore the basic B&W pencil and pen augmented with bits of colour. She has inspired me.
I’m so happy you saw this post.
x🐈⬛🌼🎨o
Great post, Resa! Loved seeing the superb work of Vera Bock and the excellent biographical details you provided. What a life she had!
Thanks Dave!
Cripes, just the early part of her life is a book of many pages.
I find her work in this book to be inspiring.
All I can say is it is interesting that adversity highlights how different humans are from one another, and the results.
One person rises to their potential (and perhaps beyond) because of it, another is crushed by it, another is made bitter by it and sets out to seek vengeance at all costs.
I like this result. Art.
So true, Resa, that adversity can inspire, or demoralize, or result in some combination of the two.
Also true!
Fascinating post, Resa! She lived such an interesting life. Her illustrations for Shakespeare are unusual and unique. I love that she dedicated the children’s book to her cat!
An artist ancestor of mine also worked for the WPA. He was in Philadelphia.
Thanks Merril!
Yes, Vera’s life was interesting, and long. It made me wonder what 104 years could look like.
YES! Her cat got a dedication. YAY!
Cool about an ancestor working for the WPA. It seems like there is a fair history of artists in your family. You have a cousin/uncle? who has some works in the Art Museum in Philadelphia.
I seem to recall from the few pics I saw, that it is very of it’s time and well executed.
You’re welcome, Resa. I’ll have to delve deeper into her life and work.
It’s the same ancestor, Abraham Hankins. He was my grandmother’s first cousin. The WPA was a New Deal program that employed artists and writers. It ended in 1943. Some like Dorothea Lange documented the effects of the Great Depression. A lot of the artists created posters and murals.
Yes..Abraham, now I recall. His life sounds intriguing.
Lange is a fascinating person to delve into as well. It’s crazy to think that she was hired by the government to document the Japanese relocation program, but then her photos where suppressed from public viewing. Of course now they are readily available.
Interesting how photography has defined history.
Many perpetrators (nazis) recorded their crimes… Avedon recorded beauty.
Now… with AI what will be recorded for the future?
The invention of photography definitely had an impact. In US history, Civil War soldiers had their photos taken for loved ones, and photographers recorded army camps and battlegrounds.
Yes… fascinating. I love all the old photography.
I like new photography, too.
But we are going to have to sift through am overkill of selfies to gain a teeny bit of info. 😂
😊
Hi Resa, thanks for sharing about this fascinating woman and her elegant artworks. What an interesting life she had. It’s quite something to have been in the last train out of Russia before the revolution started. 104 is a very good old age to attain.
Yes, they are elegant works of art. Thank you for that perfect word, Robbie!
I would think that just the escape from Russia is a book on its own.
And yes…104 years. Omg! from scrub boards to washing machines, pen and pencil to computer, brooms to vacuums.
It’s so crazy that all that has happened because of man’s abilities, but nor from war to peace. ༻💙༺
Man is a very war orientated creature. It is the same drive for power and conquest that fuels the quest for discoveries and progress.
True words.. unfortunately.
Perhaps one exception & example of a better angel in man’s need for conquest … is over illness. Hence the discovery of penicillin and insulin.
Discoverers Banting and Best (along with Macleod and Collip) sold the patent for 1 dollar. Their mission was that no one should suffer with diabetes, and that the medicine should be available and affordable to all.
That was 100 years ago. I think these discoveries are for money power now, but at least I can think of 1 example where humans did it for the betterment of humanity, in general.
Sigh!
You are right, Resa. There are a lot of doctors who are very good people and are devoted to helping patients. It’s the pharmaceutical companies which are corporates that are greedy and self serving. John Steinbeck said in The Grapes of Wrath that banks and corporates are like machines. They are not people.
AGREE! ❦☆
Her illustrations are gorgeous and unique. Thanks for educating me on her intriguing life.
You are welcome, Brad!
I adore looking at her art. It was about time I shared.
😍
Most excellent photos of Vera Bock’s macabric Shakespeare illustrations. The consistent use of pink and green hues is memorable🌸🐍
Thanks EF! I did take my time with the pics. I wanted them as close as possible to how they look n the book.
Yes.. the colours are memorable. Great technique! ༻🎨༺
You did her justice. I don’t know how you light them so well to avoid glare, shadows. Well done.
UCH!
Lighting art is a nightmare, you are right!
After 25 years in film, watching the guys light sets, and shooting street art and my own drawings, I did pick up a lot of tips.
Still, EF, it’s always something.
Ahh yes of course.. Yeah I tried gaffing our class project in film school and when we watched it together, all I saw were the shadows 😭🔦🫡👍
LOL…
Of all the things on set…lighting takes the longest.
Can you imagine lighting a Noir, where you are actually using the shadows.
I think the one thing I remember the most is a deeply sighing DOP saying to me “You can’t replace the sun.”
It was outdoors. It was predicted to be a sunny day. The shot was from above. The sun was to light a swimming pool with a red bathing suited girl swimming across.
The clouds were relentless. There were the strongest K lights available rimming the pool.
The shot was a pathetic rendition of what the sun would have done. sun☀️ not 💡🕯️🕯️🏮💡🥴🚥🕯️🕯️💡
Thanks for sharing your collection of gorgeous Vera Bock illustrations, Resa. I don’t think the book just sat on a bookshelf, it penetrated its style into your own illustrations. I did a double-take, is this a Resa? No, it’s a Vera!
Hahaha! Yes, you could be right about that Cheyenne, and thank you!
I adore illustration, yet when I wanted to hang some up at my art show… the idea was poo-pooed … by …… some.
I felt like my drawings weren’t a valid art. The portraits were barely acceptable.
Since then, I have only done 1 portrait… and have just begun doing my illustrations again. I now think those opinions that my drawings are not “real” art is misguided…snotty, and I allowed myself to feel inferior and not draw.
However, I am seeing that there is a lot of opinion barriers in the art world. An oxymoron if I ever saw one.
So, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate this comment! ༻💙༺
Yeah, there’s a point where we have to knock those opinionated gate keepers off our shoulders and just get on with our own expressive lives.
YES!!!!!!!
I thought the same thing , In fact I had to double check ( reread) that those were not your very own sketches! Awesome !
xoxo💃💃xoxo
Awww… Meece!
★❦༻💃💃༺❦★
Well, I’m inspired. Finished Dale last night, still working on RR.
I’m completely serious. At first until I read. I thought that was your work!!!
What a treasure that book is and what gorgeous illustrations!! Thanks for the back story as well. 😘
Yes, yes it is a treasure Janet, thank you!
It’s because I wanted to share these illustrations that I learned about Vera’s life. It’s so intriguing. ༻❦༺
That’s an extraordinary piece of art in the art world! A beautiful fusion of poetry and images—truly art! She is a mesmerizing artist.
Thank you, Resa, dear friend.
🙏💖
I agree Aladin!
I adore these illustrations. They inspire me. I’m drawing!
It’s a lovely book to own, and read.
xo ꧁★❦★꧂ xo
I can totally imagine how much you’re enjoying it, and I’m right there with you! 🤗💞🥰🦋
Lol… I’m drawing again… lol… I wish I was as studied as Vera, but I’m doing my thing!
XO ☆༺❦༻☆ XO
That’s good then! Every artist has their own unique style.
👏🫵💖
Yes!
xo🧡xo🧡xo🧡xo🧡
Her work is amazing. I knew nothing about her and now I want to know more, AND she loved cats. What talent. I absolutely love this post, Resa. It’s wonderful.
Thanks Gi!
I adore her art, too. The cat thing is a fabulous bonus. I want to know more, too! xx
The illustrations are not at all what I would expect to see in a book of Shakespeare sonnets. I really like them. They have a surreal feel to them.
Liz,
Yes, others have mentioned surreal… a mini Dali.
I find the illustrations quite inspiring, for my own drawing purposes.
I can see that inspiration. Very cool!
🌹༺
A remarkable lady, Resa. What a find! xx
Yes, Vera’s story is fantastic. The book is lovey to look at, hold and read. Thank you, Jo! xx
Resa, this post is imbued with affection and respect — it’s stunning. Thank you so much for it. I wasn’t familiar with Vera Bock (what an extraordinary life she had) and none of these illustrations look familiar to me. I’m happy for this introduction… and I’m wishing I had a large, printed volume of the King of Cats! Huge hugs.
Vera was new to me too, Teagan.
Although I have had this book for a number of years, I never had a really good look at the illustrations.
They are after my own creative heart.
King of Cats… now that would be a cool book to own.
King of Cats size HUGS!
Very cool work. I was reminded of Dali in a couple of the pieces. Surrealism and Shakespeare – what a combo!
Agree Jan, surrealism and Shakespeare.
I do love illustrating women in gowns, and I find Vera’s work to be inspirational.
I like the idea that you can put things in the background, but don’t have to paint a complete picture.
Working on it!
Resa, what a wonderful journey through Shakespeare and Vera Bock’s illustrations! I can see how much thought and research went into bringing this post together. The way Vera responded to Shakespeare’s poetry resonated with me. Her illustrations give us another way to understand Shakespeare’s words. And then there is Vera’s own story! Her journey from St. Petersburg, through Siberia, China and Japan, and eventually into a life devoted to art is extraordinary. I love discovering the human being behind the artwork. This book is a treasure!!! Thank you for introducing me to Vera Bock! She opened another door to Shakespeare! Sending many hugs across the miles!! I LOVED this post!
Rebecca, thank you!
It was a joy pulling this post together. Thankfully the book is NOT of shiny paper, but and older type of matte paper, so taking the pics was relatively easy.
I adore the illustrations, and am inspired, as I work on my new AGM’s tale drawings. I need to get some pics of your bamboo from Tim’s site.
Vera had a fascinating life. I am so happy and thankful you urged me to do this post sooner than later!
BIG HUGS!
Oh wow, that’s wonderful that you inherited the first edition (1957) copy of Love Poems and Sonnets of William Shakespeare! What a treasure, and I adore all the illustrations by Vera Boc. Miss Bock sounds like a fascinating lady… “…trained in woodcutting, manuscript illumination, printing and photogravure. This added to her training in painting and drawing.” Wow, so accomplished!! I love that she’s lived in so many places in Europe too!
Thanks so much for sharing these!
⊹₊˚‧꧁⎝ 𓆩༺❥ ❣ ❦ ❧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂‧˚₊⊹
Yes, the book is a joy to hold and read.
I do like Shakespeare, a lot. Between him and Dickens, all themes have been used up. Still, you can repackage the stories a million ways.
It’s like music. There’s only 7 & 5 music notes, yet look at all the different music written.
Hmm, got off on a tangent here.
Anyway, Vera was super interesting, and I find her style to be very inspiring.
My pleasure to share!
꧁★❦༻🌹༺❦★꧂
A beautiful combination, Vera Bock’s beautiful illustrations and Shakespeare! I especially love the first Shakespeare quote. A wonderful combination, thanks for pulling this from the shelf and sharing as only you can.
xoxoxoxoxo
I love the first quote, too.
I really am inspired by these illustrations.
LOL… so RR has become a victim of that inspiration. I thought I’d extend myself on this next drawing of her. I always like 2 or 3 of her for a post.
LOL… well, will be sending it to you whether it works out, or not.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Yes the first quote is perfect. I’ll be on the watch for the mail.
xoxoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxoxo
❤️🐭🐭❤️
RR is the world’s finest diva and leader of the Pack . She’s the cat’s PJ’s . I would really like to read King of Cats. 🐈⬛ I’m searching for it.
❤️
Yes… yes she is!
She…or at least PBH must have been a cat at one time.
I’m impressed with how many would like to own a copy of King of Cats!
꧁★❦༻💃 🐈⬛ 💃༺❦★꧂
Oh definitely. I am going to order that. 🐈⬛😍
xoxoxoxoxo
I hear it’s rare. ༻🌹༺
Hmm. , I may have trouble getting it. ༻❤️༺
what splendid illustrations these are. thank you for sharing 💫✨ʁɞşα✨💫
▪️◾◼️⬛◼️◾▪️▫️◽◻️⬜◻️◽▫️▪️◾◼️⬛◼️◾▪️
Graham!
Yes…yes… I adore these illustrations. I find them inspiring.
꧁★❦༻ 𝕿𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖐 𝖄𝖔𝖚 ༺❦★꧂
💯👌👍🌟✨💫
☆༺❦༻☆
This is a book I want to read 😁
Cool Matt!
It’s a wonderful book to have. I’m finding the illustrations inspiring.
Also, many have said they want to own a “King of Cats”. ꧁★꧂
Its also super expensive over $150 on ebay. I’ll have to consider another book not as $$$.
WOW!!!
A real collectors item.
So it seems
PS – Having WP commenting issues on other blogs tonight.
Loved your Rose poem and pic. Hilarious…very creative!!!!!
Oh goodie. The shit that never gets fixed continues
SIGH!
Did you change you theme, by any chance?
No why ?
It says I’m not following you. It’s a new day, so I’ll try again!
I didn’t do anything. I have no idea whats up with WordPress 😵💫
Uch… well I re followed and it let me comment.
At least I have your mail, so if I wind up in SPAM, I can ask you to free me.
❦★
Brilliant in every way. The illustrations are wonderful and then to add the Bard into the mix? Simply everything.
I adore the Bard, the book and LOVE the illustrations. I’m inspired!
MUAH!
So good!
MUAH!
I love the illustrations and verses. “King of the Cats” looks like a fun book. There are a couple of the books available on Amazon. Kind of pricey. Great post!
Thanks Tim!
Vera’s illustrations are inspiring me. AND she loved cats!
xx
Resa, I had never heard of Vera before now, and it was my pleasure to learn about her here. Outstanding art. It is nice to read you are illustrating once again, clearly inspired by her efforts. Enjoy!
She was an amazing artist.
And Thank you! I haven’t enjoyed drawing this much for awhile.
💙
This was a fab presentation. What a magnificent life Vera had. And imagine living til 104 through it all! Amazing! 💜🧡❌⭕❌
What a wonderful tribute to Vera Bock’s artistry! 🎨✨ Her illustrations have such distinctive character and timeless beauty. I really enjoyed discovering more about her work through your post. Fascinating and beautifully presented! 💙
Thank you, Mihran!
I was quite swept away when I saw her art.
I’m thrilled you got to see it! 🧡
Wow!
What a wonderful artist! She really did justice to old Will.
I have an old (1946) copy of the “Flowers of evil” by Charles Baudelaire. The artist who illustrated had a similar style. (Lemme check who it was.) (P.A. Eckmann. Not the same.)
I’m catching up, so I can have time to enjoy your post… 😉
No worries! xoxo
Impressive & sophisticated illustrations. Pure art!❤❤❤🌺🌺🌺
I agree 100 %!
꧁★꧂
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Hi Resa
Great illustrations, not our style but impressive
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
For over and for ever
True! Thank you!
What a magnificent tribute to an incredible artist! Vera Bock’s ability to capture the emotion of Shakespeare’s sonnets through such intricate, illuminated craftsmanship is truly breathtaking. I completely agreed with kethuprofumo and mihrankalaydjianblog on how sophisticated and timeless her work is, and like dgkaye mentioned, living a full, artistic life to 104 is remarkable! The story of her fleeing Russia and training across London and Paris makes her art even more fascinating. Thank you for sharing this, Resa!
Oh, thank you!
It was an honour to make this post. I always adored Vera’s illustrations in this much read book of Shakespeare’s sonnets and poetry.
The one day, when I mentioned this book to a fellow blogger, she said she had looked a bit into Vera’s life, and that it was a great story.
So, it is!
So, I had to share it with my pals.
You are welcome, and thank you for this most lovely comment!
So glad you shared her story with us! It makes re-reading those illustrations in Shakespeare’s sonnets even more special knowing the history behind them.
Thank you!
Hi, Resa. I have this book. I believe I got it while I was in high school in the early 1970s. I got it off the shelf when I read your post and now get to appreciate it anew! Sweetly, I found two maple leaves pressed between the pages. I hadn’t remembered the illustrations. They are wonderful!
Aww, 2 maple leaves, how cool!
You know, I inherited this book about 20 years ago. I love having it, and pull it out for a read now and then. As much as i have always liked the art, it’s only recently I took a good llok at it and said…these are really cool. Then of course, it becomes about the artist.
Definitely a cherishable book.
Thank you, Lori!
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Amazing Collection Resa
She was a terrific illustrator. Thank you for checking her out, Ardarsh!
I liked it so much