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Boydell's Shakespeare Gallery
American edition published by Shearjashub Spooner, 106 Liberty Street, New York: 1852

John Boydell (1719-1804), a London alderman, made his fortune as a publisher of books, illustrations and engravings that were popular in England and on the continent. In 1786, he and a group of associates devised a grand plan to publish an edition of engravings based on commissioned paintings of scenes from Shakespeare's plays by the best artists of the period. Boydell opened The Shakespeare Gallery in 1789 in Pall Mall to house the painting collection, and the first set of engravings based on the works was issued in 1791. The nine-volume folio edition was published in 1802, and in 1803 Boydell printed the two-volume elephant folios of all the engravings based on the paintings in the gallery.

One of the most celebrated of all editions of Shakespeare, the Boydell Shakespeare was by any standards a monumental production. Boydell's artisans produced the finest engravings with meticulous detail. Boydell even created a type foundry, ink factory and a printing house specifically for this edition. The result was a beautiful, luxurious edition that took nearly sixteen years to produce.
Boydell’s original plates were purchased and restored by Shearjashub Spooner (1809-1859) in 1852, after which he published a two-volume set with the somewhat ponderous title The American edition of Boydell's Illustrations of the Dramatic Works of Shakespeare, by the Most Eminent Artists of Great Britain. Spooner was a successful New York dentist who produced several other arts publishing projects. Spooner’s Boydell Shakespeare edition has rich impressions, many details having been enlivened by the re-engraving of worn areas.  Therefore, these are later states of the earlier prints, one indication of which is a plate number to the left of the title area. 
 

For much more information on the Boydell's massive undertaking of Shakespeare engravings,
please click here.

Original engravings over 170 years old — NOT modern reproductions!

Sheet sizes and image sizes vary somewhat. See descriptions below thumbnail images for size and condition report.

Please click on the thumbnails below for an enlarged view.

 

 

King Henry the Eighth Act I, Scene IV

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

King Henry the Eighth

Act I, Scene IV

The Presence Chamber in York Palace

Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry, Anne Bullen, Lords and Ladies

Painted by T. Sothard
Engraved by Isaac Taylor

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 79

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17.25 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING
. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION AND DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE PRINT.

Foxing mostly in lower and left margins

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) lower left corner, extending just into plate mark but well away from image. This would not be noticeable once matted and framed.

$479.95

 

King Henry the Eighth Act III, Scene I

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

King Henry the Eighth

Act III, Scene I

Palace at Bridewell

A room in the Queen's Apartment

Queen Katharine and her women at work, Cardinals Wolsey and Campeius

Painted by Rev. W. Peters, R.A.
Engraved by R. Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 80

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 A couple of very minor fox marks in outer margins.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) lower left corner, extending just into plate mark but well away from image. This would not be noticeable once matted and framed.

$479.95

 

King Henry the Eighth Act IV, Scene II

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

King Henry the Eighth

Act IV, Scene II

The Abbey of Leicester

Abbot of Leicester, Wolsey, Northumberland and attendants

Queen Katharine and her women at work, Cardinals Wolsey and Campeius

Painted by R. Westall
Engraved by R. Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 81

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 Foxing in lower and right margins

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) lower left corner, extending into plate mark but well away from image. This would not be noticeable once matted and framed.

$479.95

 

King Henry the Eighth Act V, Scene IV

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

King Henry the Eighth

Act V, Scene IV

The Royal Palace

The christening of the Princess Elizabeth

Painted by Rev. W. Peters
Engraved by J. Colyer

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 82

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.25 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 Minor foxing in margins

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) lower left corner, on the edge of the plate mark but well away from image. This would not be noticeable once matted and framed.

$479.95

 

Coriolanus Act V, Scene III

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Coriolanus

Act V, Scene III

Coriolanus, Aufidius, Virgula, Volumnia, Young Marcus, Valeria, and attendants

Painted by G. Hamilton, R.A.
Engraved by J. Caldwell

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 83

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.875 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 Only a couple of small fox marks in margin

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) within the plate mark but well away from image. This would not be terribly noticeable once matted and framed.

$479.95

 

Antony and Cleopatra Act III, Scene IX

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Antony and Cleopatra

Act III, Scene IX

Antony, Cleopatra, Eros, Charmian, Iras, Etc.

Painted by H. Tresham
Engraved by G.S. & J.G. Facius

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 85

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.875 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 Very clean! A tiny fox mark or two in margin.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) outside of the plate mark.

$479.95

 

Timon of Athens Act IV, Scene III

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Timon of Athens

Act IV, Scene III

Timon, Alcibiades, Phrynia, and Timandra

Painted by J. Opie. R.A.
Engraved by R. Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 86

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 Very clean! A tiny fox mark or two in margin.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) outside of the plate mark.

$479.95

 

Titus Andronicus Act IV, Scene I

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Titus Andronicus

Act IV, Scene I

Timon, Alcibiades, Phrynia, and Timandra

Painted by J. Opie, R.A.
Engraved by R. Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 87

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 22 x 27.75

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 14.5 x 19.75 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 Very clean! A tiny fox mark or two in margin.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) outside of the plate mark in right margin.

$479.95

 

Troilus & Cressida Act II, Scene II

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Troilus & Cressida

Act II, Scene II

Cassandra Ranting

Painted by George Romney, R.A.
Engraved by R. Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 88

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 22 x 27.75

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 14.25 x 19.5 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

 Very clean! A tiny fox mark or two in margin.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) outside of the plate mark in right margin.

$479.95

 

Troilus & Cressida Act II, Scene II

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Troilus & Cressida

Act V, Scene II

The Grecian Camp. Calchas' Tent.

Diomedes and Cressida, Troilus, Ulysses, and Thersites

Painted by Angelica Kaufmann, R.A.
Engraved by L. Schiavonetti

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 89

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.25 x 17.5 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

A couple of fox marks in outer margins.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) just inside plate mark, lower left.

$479.95

 

Cymbeline Act I, Scene II

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Cymbeline

Act I, Scene II

Imogen, Posthumus, Cymbeline, Queen &c.

Painted by William Hamilton, R.A.
Engraved by Thomas Burke

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 90

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17.5 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Very clean! A couple of tiny fox marks in outer margin. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) just inside plate mark, lower left.

$479.95

 

Cymbeline Act I, Scene II

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Cymbeline

Act III, Scene IV

A Forest Near Milford-Haven

Pisanio and Imogen

Painted by J. Hopner, R.A.
Engraved by Robert Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 91

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17.5 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Very clean! A couple of tiny fox marks in outer margin. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) just inside plate mark, lower left.

$479.95

 

Cymbeline Act III, Scene VI

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Cymbeline

Act III, Scene VI

A Forest, Cave of Belarius

Imogen, in boy's clothes

Painted by R. Westall, R.A.
Engraved by T. Gaugain

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 92

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 22 x 27.75 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 16 x 22.5 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Very clean! A couple of fox marks in outer margin. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) just inside plate mark, lower left.

$479.95

 

Romeo and Juliet Act I, Scene V

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Romeo and Juliet

Act I, Scene V

A hall in Capulet's Palace

Romeo, Juliet, Nurse, Mercutio, Benvolio, Capulet and Tybalt, with the guests and masker

Painted by J. Hopner, R.A.
Engraved by Robert Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 93

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17.5 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Foxing in margins near to image. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) just inside plate mark, lower left.

 

Romeo and Juliet Act I, Scene V

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Romeo and Juliet

Act IV, Scene V

A chamber in Capulet's Palace

Juliet on her bed, Capulet, Lady Capulet, Paris, Friar, Nurse, Musicians &c.

Painted by John Opie
Engraved by G.S. and J.G. Facius

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 94

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.5 x 17.5 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Minor foxing in margin and one spot of foxing in upper image. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) outside of plate mark, lower left.

 

Romeo and Juliet Act V, Scene III

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Romeo and Juliet

Act V, Scene III

A monument belonging to the Capulets

Romeo and Paris, dead. Juliet and Friar Lawrence

Painted by J. Northcote, R.A.
Engraved by P. Simon

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 95

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23 x 17.225 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Very clean! Perhaps a tiny fox mark or two in outer margin. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) outside of plate mark, lower left.

$479.95

 

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Act I, Scene IV

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Act I, Scene IV

A platform before the Castle of Elsinore

Painted by H. Fuseli, R.A.
Engraved by Robert Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 96

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.25 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Foxing in margin and some in image area. A couple of short edge tears not affecting the image area. Please see above image.

 

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Act IV, Scene V

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Act IV, Scene V

A platform before the Castle of Elsinore

Painted by H. Fuseli, R.A.
Engraved by Robert Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 97

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.25 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Minor foxing. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) just inside plate mark, lower left.

$479.95

 

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark Act IV, Scene V

PLEASE CLICK ON ABOVE IMAGE FOR AN ENLARGED VIEW
(please click on thumbnail for view of entire sheet)

Othello

Act IV, Scene V

A platform before the Castle of Elsinore

Painted by H. Fuseli, R.A.
Engraved by Robert Thew

Published 1852 by Shearjashub Spooner, New York.

PLATE 98

SHEET SIZE (APPROX.): 27.75 x 22 inches

IMAGE SIZE (APPROX): 23.25 x 17 inches

Original text page accompanies engraving

NOTE: ANY "RAINBOW" EFFECT ON THE IMAGE ABOVE IS AN ARTIFACT OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AND NOT PRESENT ON THE ACTUAL ANTIQUE ENGRAVING. THE DARVILLS' DIGITAL WATERMARK IS FOR IMAGE THEFT PREVENTION.

Minor foxing. Please see above image.

Public Library Los Angeles, Cal blind stamp (embossed) just inside plate mark, lower left.

$479.95
NOTE: 2 other Othello engravings are on this page

First page of original antique Boydell Shakespeare engravings

Theatre/Drama Antique Prints

Literature/Poetry Antique Prints