A watercolour of Charles Kean, in costume as Shakespeare's Macbeth, shown standing full length, facing forward, with a spear in his right hand and a shield and sword hanging from his belt. Macbeth is here depicted in Act one of the play.

Queen Victoria commissioned this an accompanying watercolour of Ellen Kean as Lady Macbeth (RCIN 921325). Corbould's depictions were intented to be copied onto porcelain plaques in Nuremberg. It was planned that these would decorate a cabinet made from Herne's oak, which would hold an edition of Shakespeare's works, although this does not seem to have been realised.

Corbould was paid 24 guineas for this and the companion portrait of Ellen Kean on 14 May or 5 July 1853.

Signed and dated: 'EDWARD HENRY CORBOULD pinxt / May 1853.'

This watercolour is mounted in the Theatrical Album, a blue morocco album presented to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, into which the queen pasted theatrical watercolours, drawings and photographs until 1861. A small number of further items have been added at the back of the album. Queen Victoria greatly valued the album, of which she wrote to her daughter Victoria 'has been so much admired. I take the g[rea]test. care of it, & do not let it out of my Hands'.