SHAKESPREARE HENRY VI, ENGRAVED BY GEORGE C. PLAYTER (LATE 18th CENTURY) AFTER JAMES NORTHCOTE (1746-1831) FROM BOYDELL SHAKESPEARE GALLERY ENGRAVING, 1796, 24IN x 28.5IN (61cm x 72cm)

Inventory #: 26-176 - $550.00

An original, late-18th-century English historical engraving illustrating a dramatic scene from William Shakespeare’s history play The Third Part of King Henry VI, Act I, Scene III. The composition depicts the tragic episode in which the young Edmund, Earl of Rutland—son of the Duke of York—is confronted on the battlefield by the vengeful Lord Clifford. As Rutland’s tutor pleads for mercy, Clifford prepares to strike the boy down, one of the most emotionally powerful moments in Shakespeare’s Wars of the Roses cycle. The scene is accompanied by the engraved line from the play beneath the image, “Ah Clifford! murder not this innocent child, Lest thou be hated both of God and man.” The composition was painted by James Northcote, R.A. (1746–1831) and engraved by George C. Playter, with the plate finished by Thomas Ryder (1746–1810). The engraving was published September 29, 1796 by John Boydell and Josiah Boydell for the celebrated Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in Pall Mall, London. This engraving demonstrates the refined intaglio technique typical of the series, combining delicate stipple work and precise line engraving to produce strong tonal depth and dramatic lighting that faithfully translates the original painting into print form. This piece was examined outside of the frame and it is in good antique condition, consistent with age. There is visible toning, scattered foxing, and minor margin wear. Verso shows evidence of prior mounting with residual adhesive and discoloration. This engraving is part of George Zorin collection, a respected New York dealer, specializing in Old Master and 19th-century prints. Zorin’s collection, built over several decades, are widely recognized in the American print trade, and being part of this collection provides reassuring provenance for works on paper from this period. This engraving came in a large portfolio marked “Zorin 29. 18^th Century Prints Dramatic scenes from Shakespeare circa 1702”, see pictures. This large portfolio does not come with this piece. With frame, this piece measures 24 inches x 28.5 inches. This piece is matted and framed under acrylic in a wooden frame. FLAT RATE SHIPPING OF $75.00 WITH INSURANCE FOR THIS PIECE WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Flat rate shipping is billed separately after the invoice has been paid.

This engraving was published as part of the celebrated Boydell Shakespeare Gallery project, one of the most ambitious artistic publishing ventures of the late 18th century. Conceived by John Boydell, it commissioned prominent British artists—including Reynolds, Fuseli, Romney, and West—to paint scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, which were then reproduced as large folio engravings for collectors. These prints helped elevate British historical painting and remain among the most recognizable Shakespeare-themed engravings produced during the Georgian period.