1793 William Sharp After Benjamin West “King Lear” Boydell Shakespeare Gallery Engraving, Framed

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An impressive late 18th-century English engraving depicting a dramatic scene from William Shakespeare’s King Lear, Act III, Scene IV.
The … Read more An impressive late 18th-century English engraving depicting a dramatic scene from William Shakespeare’s King Lear, Act III, Scene IV.
The composition was painted by celebrated American-born British historical painter Benjamin West, P.R.A. (1738–1820) and engraved by renowned British engraver William Sharp (1749–1824) for John and Josiah Boydell’s celebrated Shakespeare Gallery in London.
The scene depicts King Lear during the storm, accompanied by Kent, the Fool, Edgar disguised as Poor Tom, and Gloucester carrying a torch. Beneath the image are the original engraved inscriptions identifying the work as “SHAKSPEARE. King Lear. ACT III. SCENE IV.”, together with the quotation “Off, off, you lendings” and the artist and engraver credits.
Originally published in London in 1793 as part of Boydell’s ambitious Shakespeare Gallery project, this engraving represents one of the most dramatic and desirable compositions from the series.
Presented beneath glass with a wide mat and silver-tone molded frame. The substantial 35-inch-wide presentation gives the work considerable presence and makes it particularly suitable for a library, study, living room or traditional interior. See less