In 1880, the publishing house Hachette decided to produce a third edition of its popular illustrated "Works of William Shakespeare." Bida was commissioned to design the illustrations, having successfully illuminated the Bible and the works of Moliére. The five chalk drawings in the Morgan's collection were preliminary studies that served as the basis for a set of watercolors. Forty watercolors related to the project were sold with Bida's estate in 1896 and are now in the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, DC.
In this episode from "Henry IV," Bida depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Tewkesbury, which marked the House of York's victory over the House of Lancaster. Prince Edward and his mother, Queen Margaret, have been taken prisoner by the brothers George, Richard, and Edward Plantagenet, who stand on the right side of the drawing. Bida represents the moment after Prince Edward was stabbed to death by the three brothers, who became enraged upon hearing Prince Edward deny the House of York's legitimate right to the throne. Queen Margaret cradles the head of her son and begs the Plantagenet brothers to kill her as well.
Atelier stamp "Bida" at lower right (Lugt 5632).