J & J Boydell's "Measure for Measure" Shakespeare Engraving
An original 1798 Boydell Shakespeare Gallery engraving after Robert Smirke, depicting Act II, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure.
Complimentary U.S. Shipping $100+ | International $350+
This engraved print captures a moment from Act II, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, based on a painting by Robert Smirke.
Published on April 23, 1798 by J. & J. Boydell at the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London, the print reflects one of the most ambitious Shakespearean art projects of the late 18th century.
The work was engraved by Thomas Ryder and Charles Gauthier Playter, translating Smirke’s theatrical composition into a finely detailed printed form.
A compelling piece for collectors of Shakespeare, antique prints, theatrical history, or 18th-century British engraving.
Dimensions: Approximately 25" x 19 1/2"
Condition: VG. Some stains and discoloration around the edges. The engraving itself is in excellent condition.
Please look closely at the images to assess condition or feel free to email us for additional photos.
Please note: due to the fragile nature of vintage art and vintage items, the listings in the Bygone Goods section of the store are FINAL SALE and not refundable.
About the Art:
A moment of comedy relief, Escalus judges two foolish character - the tapster Froth and the clownish bawd Pompey - both brought to court by Elbow, the constable to the right.
About the Publishers:
John Boydell, the publisher of this series of Shakespeare engravings, spent nearly two decades toward the end of his life pursing what would later be called The Shakespeare Project. The project contained three parts: an illustrated edition of Shakespeare's plays, a public gallery of paintings depicting scenes from the plays, and a folio of prints based on the paintings.
The idea was conceived during a dinner at his nephew Josiah Boydell's home in November 1786. John wanted to use the a Grand Shakespeare edition of images to facilitate the development of a British school of history painting.
To illustrate the edition and provide images for the folio, Boydell obtained the assistance of the most noteworthy painters and engravers of the day. While the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery eventually opened in 1789 - eventually carrying around 170 paintings - it was the published folio, which collected together the images from the paintings, which has been the most lasting legacy of the Boydell enterprise.
We source our Bygone Goods from all over! Through our travels, we’ve built strong relationships with exceptional antique and vintage vendors across the country.
Sometimes, we simply stumble upon rare finds in hidden gem stores.
Every piece we list is carefully curated—if it doesn’t meet our high standards of quality and uniqueness, it doesn’t make the cut.
We ship using USPS and UPS, depending on the destination and the products ordered. All shipments include tracking and up to $200 of insurance.
Complimentary Shipping Thresholds:
- USPS Ground Advantage (U.S.): Complimentary on orders over $100.00.
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UPS International: Complimentary on orders over $350.00.
- Please note: Duties, taxes, and import fees may apply and are the responsibility of the recipient.
Shipping Times:
- Most items ship within one business day (Monday to Friday, excluding holidays).
- Orders placed by 2 PM Pacific Time often ship the same day.
Additional Notes:
- Fine art pieces valued over $500 ship separately via complimentary UPS Expedited insured service with adult signature required. Split shipments will be dispatched simultaneously.
- While we offer insurance on your shipments, once a package is marked “delivered,” insurance no longer covers theft or loss. Please deliver to secure locations or ensuring someone is available to receive your package.
- Shipping costs are non-refundable.
International Orders:
- For international orders, customs duties, taxes, and fees may apply. These are determined by your country and are the responsibility of the recipient. Items rejected or seized by customs due to import restrictions are not the responsibility of Last Manner.
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For our full shipping policy, please see shipping policies.
Photographs, posters, vintage artwork, vintage items, and "Bygone Goods" products are FINAL SALE and are not returnable.
In cases where items are damaged in transit, exceptions may be made. Last Manner reserves the right to address these issues on a case by case basis.
For our full return policy, please see return policies.
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Bygone Goods
Bygone Goods is our designation for vintage objects — found pieces with history, character, and soul. Every piece is carefully curated; if it doesn't meet our standards for quality and uniqueness, it doesn't make the cut. These aren't relics. They're survivors, chosen for people who appreciate true craftsmanship and lasting quality. When they're gone, they're gone.