SHAKESPREARE HENRY VI, GEORGE C. PLAYTER (LATE 18TH CENTURY) AFTER JOHN OPIE (1761-1807) FROM BOYDELL SHAKESPEARE GALLERY ENGRAVING, 1796, 26IN x 29IN (66cm x 74cm)

Inventory #: 26-174 - $550.00

An original, large and dramatic 18th-century stipple and line engraving depicting a supernatural scene from William Shakespeare’s Second Part of King Henry the Sixth, Act I, Scene IV, engraved by C. G. Playter after the original painting by John Opie, Royal Academician. The composition illustrates the notorious necromancy scene, where conspirators summon a spirit to reveal prophetic visions concerning the fate of the English crown. The engraving portrays the ritual conducted by Mother Jourdain, assisted by Hume, Southwell, and Bolingbroke, while Eleanor, Duchess of Gloucester, observes as a demonic apparition emerges from smoke. Opie’s theatrical design emphasizes dramatic lighting and expressive figures, capturing the eerie atmosphere of Shakespeare’s depiction of witchcraft and political intrigue. The plate was engraved by Charles G. Playter, with etching assistance by Robert Thew, one of the leading reproductive engravers of the late Georgian period and Historical Engraver to the Prince of Wales. The delicate stipple technique allows subtle tonal gradations that faithfully reproduce the painterly shading of Opie’s original composition. This piece was produced in 1796. This piece was examined outside of the frame and it has visible age toning and scattered foxing which is consistent with late 18th-century paper. There is minor marginal wear and creasing and the sheet appears to be previously mounted and framed. 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 26 inches x 29 inches. This piece is double 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. Beginning in 1789, London publisher John Boydell commissioned leading British artists to create paintings illustrating scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, which were then engraved as large folio prints for collectors. The series helped elevate British historical painting and remains one of the most important illustrated Shakespeare projects ever produced.