This is part of our Shakespeare's Women series in partnership with the education team over at Blogging Shakespeare. On flickr we have created a collection around these wonderful ladies.
Volumnia is one of Shakespeare less well-known women. The mother of the Roman warrior Coriolanus, she has a heart-breaking choice to make between her country and the son she loves. Her story is one which we all recognise. The painting shows the famous actress Edith Evans playing the role in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1959.
Would you make the same choice if you were faced with Volumnia's dilemma?
- Sylvia Morris