SHAKESPREARE MACBETH, ROBERT THEW (1758-1802) AFTER SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS (1723-1792) FROM BOYDELL SHAKESPEARE GALLERY ENGRAVING, 1802, 25IN x 30.5IN (64cm x 77cm)

Inventory #: 26-171 - $550.00

An original, large and dramatic stipple and line engraving depicting a scene from William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth, Act IV, Scene I, engraved by Robert Thew after the celebrated painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds, the first President of the Royal Academy. The composition portrays the famous witches’ prophecy scene, in which Macbeth confronts supernatural visions conjured by the witches within their cavern. At the center of the composition, Macbeth raises his dagger toward the apparitions, while the witches summon prophetic figures including the line of kings descended from Banquo, fulfilling Shakespeare’s stage direction: “Eight kings appear, and pass over the stage in order; the last with a glass in his hand; Banquo following.” Reynolds’ theatrical design combines classical allegory with Gothic drama, creating one of the most visually powerful images produced for the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery project. The engraving was executed by Robert Thew (1758–1802), an accomplished British engraver who held the title Historical Engraver to H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. Thew was widely respected for his refined engraving technique, which translates Reynolds’ dramatic lighting and complex figure grouping into delicate tonal gradations. This piece was examined outside of the frame and it has age toning and foxing visible, which is consistent with early 19th-century paper. There are marginal tears, creasing, and edge losses visible along the sheet edges. 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. 18th Century Prints Dramatic scenes from Shakespeare circa 1702”, see pictures. This large portfolio does not come with this piece. There is evidence of prior mounting on the verso. With frame, this piece measures 25 inches x 30.5 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 print was issued as part of the historic Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, one of the most ambitious art publishing projects of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Beginning in 1789, publisher John Boydell commissioned leading British artists to create large historical paintings illustrating Shakespeare’s plays. These paintings were then reproduced as large folio engravings and sold to collectors internationally, helping elevate British historical painting and printmaking.