James Heath, Two Gentleman of Verona, 1800s, Etching

Details

Description

Etching on wove paper. Engraved by james heath, historical engraver to his majesty, published by j. & j. Boydell, london, … Read more Etching on wove paper. Engraved by james heath, historical engraver to his majesty, published by j. & j. Boydell, london, march 1, 1803. This fine 19th-century engraving by james heath, after a painting by thomas stothard, r.a., illustrates a dramatic scene from shakespeare’s two gentlemen of verona. Depicted is act v, scene 4: valentine confronts the ruffian who menaces silvia, commanding him to release her. The composition brims with tension and theatricality — silvia’s figure recoils in distress while the male figures form a striking triangular arrangement beneath the shadowy woodland setting. Commissioned as part of boydell’s celebrated shakespeare gallery, the print reflects the ambition of late 18th- and early 19th-century england to elevate shakespeare’s works through collaboration with leading painters and engravers. Heath, renowned as one of the greatest line engravers of his age, translates stothard’s delicate painterly detail into fine, crisp linework of remarkable clarity. A fine example from the historic boydell shakespeare gallery project, this engraving embodies the neoclassical vision of shakespearean illustration and showcases heath’s technical mastery. With margins; scattered foxing and age toning consistent with period. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution See less