Crafting the Bard: Delhi Student’s Shakespeare Sculpture Stuns the Internet

A resin clay sculpture of William Shakespeare by a Delhi art student has gone viral for its intricate craftsmanship and historical accuracy, earning nationwide acclaim and sparking renewed appreciation for classical sculpture.

Crafting the Bard: Delhi Student’s Shakespeare Sculpture Stuns the Internet

Introduction: A Rare Artistic Tribute Captures National Attention

In a refreshing change from the usual internet fare, a Delhi-based fine arts student has captured the attention of art lovers and educators across the country with a resin clay sculpture of William Shakespeare that has gone viral across multiple platforms. What makes this moment remarkable is not just the craftsmanship on display—but the fact that it emerged from a modest home studio in India’s capital, far from the usual cultural centers of global sculpture and classical European art.

The sculpture, standing nearly 18 inches tall, showcases the famed Elizabethan playwright in striking detail—right from his lace collar and stylized doublet to the contemplative expression that echoes Shakespeare's literary depth. The viral post has been shared by artists, academics, and even international Shakespeare societies, with many calling it a “masterpiece in miniature.”


Who is the Artist Behind the Viral Sculpture?

The creator of the sculpture is Ishita Verma, a 21-year-old student at the College of Art, Delhi University. Hailing from a middle-class family in West Delhi, Ishita has always had a fascination for classical literature and the visual arts.

In a candid interview, she shared,
"I wanted to create something that bridges literature and visual art. Shakespeare’s impact is global, and I hoped to honour him with a piece that reflects the timelessness of his writing."

Verma used a combination of resin clay, fine detailing tools, and custom-made moulds to bring the sculpture to life. She spent over 70 hours across 12 days crafting the piece, refining facial contours, curls in the hair, and even tiny engraved quill motifs on the base.


Why Did It Go Viral? The Elements Behind Its Success

There are several reasons this sculpture struck a chord with audiences:

  • Craftsmanship: The level of detail—especially around the eyes, beard, and ruffled collar—evokes memories of Renaissance-era sculptures.

  • Unexpected Source: That such fine classical art would emerge from a student workshop in India is both surprising and heartening.

  • Cultural Symbolism: William Shakespeare, often seen as the literary cornerstone of the English language, resonates across educational institutions in India, where his works are studied extensively.

  • Social Media Timing: The sculpture’s release coincided with World Art Day trending in India, helping it find immediate momentum online.

Within hours of its first Instagram post, the sculpture was picked up by pages like @IndianArtDiaries, @SculptureToday, and even by international handles associated with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.


Praise from Art and Academic Circles

Noted art historian Prof. Rakesh Anand, formerly with the National Gallery of Modern Art, remarked:
"The fact that this work was created using resin clay—a notoriously challenging medium for facial detail—speaks volumes about the artist’s control and planning. This sculpture could easily find place in a museum collection."

Educators across Delhi and beyond have also used the sculpture as a case study in merging literary appreciation with fine arts. English literature departments in universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University and Ashoka University have applauded the effort, inviting Ishita for guest talks and creative showcases.


Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Sculpture

The sculpture was constructed using a non-toxic resin clay that required baking at specific intervals to maintain structure while retaining malleability. Ishita used dental-grade carving tools, often employed by prosthetic artists, to etch in micro-details on the eyelids, cheekbones, and lip creases.

She also developed a unique technique of layering clay curls to mimic hair volume, which added a three-dimensional quality to the bust. A muted antique bronze finish was applied at the end to give it the look of a historical artifact, though it's entirely made from synthetic material.

Ishita revealed,
"I didn’t want it to look like a statue pulled from a textbook. I wanted him to look human—curious, slightly amused, and intelligent."


A Moment for Resin Clay as an Art Medium

Resin clay, while relatively new in Indian art circles, is gaining popularity for its flexibility, durability, and fine-grain texture, making it ideal for detailed modeling. Unlike traditional terracotta or ceramic, resin clay doesn't crack easily and can hold micro-patterns.

This viral moment has also sparked a rise in interest in the resin clay art form, with budding artists reaching out to Ishita on social media for guidance, material sourcing, and training suggestions.

Art stores in Delhi reported a 20% spike in resin clay sales the week after the sculpture went viral, underscoring its influence beyond digital admiration.


From Viral Post to Permanent Exhibit

Following widespread appreciation, two major institutions have approached Ishita about displaying the sculpture:

  1. Lalit Kala Akademi is considering including the piece in its upcoming Young Indian Sculptors showcase.

  2. British Council India has reached out to possibly include it in their traveling "Shakespeare in India" exhibit, celebrating the Bard’s influence in postcolonial literature and performance art.

If selected, Ishita's work may become one of the youngest Indian pieces to tour under a cross-national literary program.


Inspiring a New Generation of Artists

For many young art students across India, the viral post represents more than talent—it symbolizes what’s possible with vision, persistence, and skill. It also revives interest in classical forms of sculpture, which often get overshadowed by modern art trends.

Art mentor and Delhi-based sculptor Anita Sen commented:
"There is something poetic about a young Indian woman sculpting the face of the world’s most recognized English playwright. It’s a dialogue across centuries."


Conclusion: More Than Just a Viral Moment

While the internet often churns through trends in a matter of days, the resonance of Ishita Verma’s Shakespeare sculpture is proving deeper. It's a reminder of how craft, education, and storytelling can converge to produce art that transcends boundaries.

In a time when viral content often skews towards the fleeting or trivial, this sculpture stands as a symbol of thoughtful creation, inspiring thousands to re-engage with both Shakespeare’s words and the sculptor’s chisel.

As Ishita continues her academic journey, she plans to launch a YouTube channel focused on clay modeling tutorials—hoping to democratize access to art training, especially for underprivileged students.

Her final word?
"You don’t need a grand studio or foreign education to create something powerful. All you need is focus, the right tools, and a subject worth honoring."