Pair of Georgian Shakespeare Engravings - Antique Engravings

19th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This fine pair of Georgian engravings depict two scenes from Shakespeare. The first, engraved by Robert Thew (1758-1802) after John Hoppner RA (1758-1810), references Cymbeline, Act III, Scene VI. This was one of the bard’s final plays and it’s abundant with seduction and deceit. The second, engraved by William Satchwell Leney (1769-1831) after John Downman ARA (1750-1824), references As You Like It, Act 1, Scene 2. Both were published by John and Josiah Boydell in 1800 and 1801 respectively.

During the early 19th-century, there was a reinvigorated desire for Shakespeare, partly due to the Romantics who held his works in high regard. John Boydell looked to meet this new demand by opening a gallery in London to display a range of commissioned artworks inspired by his plays. Each painting was then engraved and published.

Framed and glazed.

Learn more about Robert Thew in our directory.

Medium: Stipple engravings on paper

Overall size: 28½” x 23” / 73cm x 59cm

Year of creation: 1800 and 1801

Condition: A few areas of foxing and light staining. Frames with some light wear.

Physical Dimensions

Height

59cm (23.23")

Width

73cm (28.74")

Depth

2cm (0.79")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1800s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA892002

Description

This fine pair of Georgian engravings depict two scenes from Shakespeare.

“

The first, engraved by Robert Thew (1758-1802) after John Hoppner RA (1758-1810), references Cymbeline, Act III, Scene VI.

Brave Fine Art

This was one of the bard’s final plays and it’s abundant with seduction and deceit. The second, engraved by William Satchwell Leney (1769-1831) after John Downman ARA (1750-1824), references As You Like It, Act 1, Scene 2. Both were published by John and Josiah Boydell in 1800 and 1801 respectively.

fig 1. Pair Of Georgian Shakespeare Engravings - Antique Engravings — fig 1. Pair of Georgian Shakespeare Engravings - Antique Engravings

During the early 19th-century, there was a reinvigorated desire for Shakespeare, partly due to the Romantics who held his works in high regard. John Boydell looked to meet this new demand by opening a gallery in London to display a range of commissioned artworks inspired by his plays. Each painting was then engraved and published.