Artist: Robert Smirke (1752-1845) RA was an English painter and illustrator.
Engraver: William Greatbatch (British, 1802-1894) line engraver and illustrator, worked in London from 1820, engraved plates after old masters for popular almanacks.
Title: Midsummer Night's Dream.
Signed, titled, dated, and proofed by the editor in the plate. Painted by R. Smirke, R.A. Engraved by W. Greatbatch. Midsummer Night's Dream. [ Act 4, Sc.1] London, Published by Hurst, Robinson & Co. Pall Mall, and R. Jennings, Poultry. 1825.
Materials and Techniques: Engraving and etching on wove paper.
Dimensions: Image 10 1/2" x 8''. Sheet 17 2/4" x 11 3/8".
Condition: The signs of aging are appropriate for the time. A detailed condition report is available on demand.
Publication: Initially it was an engraving from the Illustrations of the plays of Shakespeare from pictures painted by R Smirke. (The British Museum 1868,0822.5618).
Part of: Later incorporated in the Shakespeare Portfolio.
"This Portfolio was formed out of several series of engravings executed for, or collected by the late Joshua Walmesley, Esq., who intended to publish an edition of Shakespeare extensively illustrated, but did not live to carry out his enterprise".
Museums and Libraries: Folger Shakespeare Library. LUNA: Folger Digital Image Collection 26785. The British Museum. 1868,0822.5642.
Art Movements, Periods & Schools: British School XIX C.
Acknowledgement: This entry incorporates text from Wikipedia, the catalog entry of a similar item from the British Museum collection, and from "H. G. Bohn. A Bibliographical Account of the Works of Shakespeare, including every known edition, translation, and commentary. 1864". P. 2310.