Mr. Boydell began the monumental effort in 1787 and invested over 100,000 pounds sterling in producing this work which was completed in 1805. It was subscribed to by the most wealthy art patrons of Europe. 

Mr. Boydell was the primary leader in the English school of Engraving in the late 1700's and his unparalleled works of Shakespeare engravings were, and continue to be, the greatest works of engraving ever done as it relates to the scenes from Shakespeare. 

Antique Art Exchange offers a complete set of Boydell engraving in excellent condition, ready for framing. We believe this to be the only such complete set currently available in the USA where the print collector can choose from over 90 scenes of Shakespeare in full folio size. 

This comprehensive set, dated 1797 - 1805, is difficult to describe adequately; Huge, monumental, and impressive are just a few adjectives which come to mind upon viewing their beauty. If one is interested in collecting true antique prints and has any interest whatsoever in Shakespeare, this set is a must see. No doubt the size of engraving used by the Boydells influenced Audubon when he went to Scotland and England to have his life sized water colors of birds engraved and colored in the life size impressions, known as the Elephant Folios. 

It would be fair to say that Boydell was to Shakespeare what Audubon was to North American birds; Both had a vision to bring these subjects to the eyes of the world. Both men poured their lives and literally all of their assets into these projects with a passion rarely seen. This passion still speaks to the viewer after nearly 200 years.