SHAKESPREARE TAMING OF THE SHREW, ROBERT THEW (1758-1802) AFTER ROBERT SMIRKE (1752-1845), FROM BOYDELL SHAKESPEARE GALLERY ENGRAVING, 1794, 26IN x 31.5IN (66cm x 80cm)

Inventory #: 26-175 - $550.00

An original, late-18th-century English folio engraving depicting a scene from William Shakespeare’s comedy The Taming of the Shrew, specifically the Induction, Scene II. The composition illustrates the famous episode in which the drunken tinker Christopher Sly is brought to a nobleman’s house and treated as a lord as part of an elaborate practical joke. Surrounded by attendants, Sly is seated upon a luxurious bed while servants kneel, present wine, and prepare washing water, believing—or pretending—that he is a nobleman awakening from illness. The theatrical staging and rich interior setting reflect the dramatic narrative style favored in late Georgian Shakespeare illustration. The image was painted by Robert Smirke, R.A. (1752–1845) and later engraved by Robert Thew (1758–1802), one of the leading stipple engravers of the period and engraver to the Prince of Wales. The plate was published June 1, 1794 by John Boydell and Josiah Boydell for the celebrated Boydell Shakespeare Gallery, London. This engraving displays the fine stipple technique characteristic of Robert Thew’s work, with delicate dot engraving producing subtle tonal gradations, atmospheric drapery, and expressive characterization of the figures. This piece was examined outside of the frame and it is in antique condition, consistent with age and handling. There is visible toning, scattered foxing, margin creases, and edge wear with small losses along the sheet edges. Verso shows staining and evidence of prior mounting. 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 31.5 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. 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.