Hamlet, Act I, Scene IV

Henry Fuseli’s depiction of Hamlet, Act I, Scene IV, engraved by Robert Thew, captures the intense moment when Hamlet encounters his father’s ghost outside Elsinore Castle. This stipple engraving was first published on September 29, 1796, by John & Josiah Boydell as part of their ambitious Shakespeare Gallery project, which aimed to celebrate Shakespeare’s works through visual art. 

In this scene, Hamlet, accompanied by Horatio and Marcellus, confronts the apparition of his father, setting the stage for the unfolding tragedy. Fuseli’s dramatic composition and Thew’s meticulous engraving technique convey the supernatural and foreboding atmosphere integral to this pivotal moment in the play.

Impressions of this engraving are held in esteemed institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Victoria and Albert Museum, underscoring its significance in art and literary history.  The collaboration between Fuseli and Thew, combined with the Shakespearean subject matter, renders this print a valuable piece for collectors of 18th-century art and literature.

Engravings from the Boyde

Hand-Colored Versions:

While the original engravings were issued in monochrome, it was common during that period for prints to be hand-colored post-publication to meet collector preferences or market demands. These hand-colored versions involved applying watercolor or gouache to the prints, enhancing their visual appeal. The quality and extent of the coloring can vary, influencing the print’s aesthetic and market value.

Contact for Inquiry:

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