Shakespeare - Nursed by Tragedy and Comedy (frontispiece for the Shakespeare Gallery folio) by J. & J. Boydell Publishers

Shakespeare - Nursed by Tragedy and Comedy (frontispiece for the Shakespeare Gallery folio) by J. & J. Boydell Publishers

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

J. & J. Boydell Publishers

Title

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

 
Artist
Year
1803  
Technique
engraving 
Image Size
14 1/4 x 17 1/2" platemark 
Signature
engraved, lower right 
Edition Size
not stated; this image most likely from first edition 
Annotations
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 
Reference
 
Paper
heavy antique-white wove 
State
published 
Publisher
John Boydell: J. & J., Publishers 
Inventory ID
16597 
Price
SOLD
Description

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.