Shakespeare - Nursed by Tragedy and Comedy (frontispiece for the Shakespeare Gallery folio)

 

J. & J. Boydell Publishers

 

1803  

engraving 

14 1/4 x 17 1/2" platemark 

engraved, lower right 

not stated; this image most likely from first edition 

engraved below image: engraver and painter signatures; below title: London: Pub. Dec. 1st, 1803 by J.R. BOYDELL, at the Shakespeare Gallery, Pall Mall, & No. 90 Cheapside 

 

heavy antique-white wove 

published 

John Boydell: J. & J., Publishers 

16597 

$350.00 

THE BOYDELL SHAKESPEARE FOLIO included 167 engravings, created from 1791 to 1803, that were adapted from paintings shown at the Shakespeare Gallery in London in the late eighteenth century. This is frontispiece was engraved by Benjamin Smith (British: 1754 - 1833) after a painting by George Romney (English: 1734 - 1802). This image is a classic depiction of an imagined glimpse into what molds a brilliant artist: whether it is simply their nature or if it's been fostered by outside forces, we often wonder if a genius is born with the tools to create timeless masterpieces.

John Boydell (1719 - 1804) was a noted engraver, publisher, print-seller, and even Lord Mayor of London, who established the Shakespeare Gallery and sold to subscribers engravings of the paintings shown there. His nephew, Josiah Boydell, published the collected engravings after John Boydell's death.

A note on the condition: This appears to be from the first edition or a very early edition, with strong, crisp lines, and retaining its full margins. However, the work exhibits a tidemark in the upper right margin and small stains in the left, right, and lower margins and within the platemark. The price reflects the condition.