By Charles A Buchel (1904)
This sketch of Caliban, inspired by actor Herbert Beerbohm Tree’s Caliban costume, is utterly beautiful. I believe it delicately captures the contrast of Caliban: the monstrosity of him that leads other to remark on his appearance and demeanor, with the human intelligence and sensitivity that causes him to break out in poetry.
Buchel’s Caliban looks physically imposing with his sharp teeth, long whiskers, and pointed ears. He is clearly not quite human and would even be scary were it not for his eyes and expression. Buchel’s Caliban, though monstrous seeming, looks fearful. His eyes look intense and intelligent. Given his physical appearance, I want to ask what he could possibly be afraid of. Or perhaps, who could he be afraid of? Context tells me that he is likely looking at Prospero. And if that is the case, I begin to question – then who is really the monster?
The deeply articulate expression on the face of what seems to be a physically intimidating non-human reminds me of how beautiful verbal expression comes from the debased Caliban in The Tempest. Both characterizations of the two Calibans indicate that there is more to these characters than might initially be seen, of which is far more humane and sympathetic than the characters of The Tempest may believe. The poetry lies in the mind behind the appearance.
Poetry of Caliban 