An original, large 18th-century stipple engraving depicting a scene from William Shakespeare’s Second Part of King Henry the Fourth, Act III, Scene II, featuring the famous character Sir John Falstaff seated at right and surrounded by Justice Shallow and a group of recruits. The composition illustrates the comic recruiting scene in which Falstaff presents his ragged soldiers, a moment that showcases Shakespeare’s satire and character-driven humor. The image was painted by British artist John Downman and translated into print by the accomplished stipple engraver Thomas Ryder, one of the most respected reproductive engravers of the late Georgian period. Ryder’s refined stipple technique, which is visible in the delicate tonal dot patterns throughout the plate, allowed engravers to reproduce the painterly softness of the original artwork with remarkable subtlety. This engraving was issued as part of the celebrated Boydell Shakespeare Gallery project, one of the most ambitious publishing ventures of the late 18th century. Beginning in 1789, London publisher John Boydell commissioned leading British artists to paint scenes from Shakespeare’s plays, which were then engraved and sold to collectors. The project included a public gallery at Pall Mall, London, displaying the original paintings, as well as a monumental illustrated edition of Shakespeare and a series of large folio engravings distributed internationally. The Boydell prints played a significant role in elevating British historical painting and printmaking and remain among the most collectible Shakespeare-themed engravings of the Georgian era. This piece was printed circa 1790s-1800s. This piece was examined outside of the frame and there is visible age toning and foxing consistent with late 18th-century paper. There is edge wear and losses to margins, particularly along the upper and side 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. The sheet appears previously mounted. With frame, this piece measures 22 inches x 29.5 inches. This piece is matted and framed under acrylic in a golden 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., 22IN x 29.5IN (56cm x 75cm), LOT REF #26-172

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