The Witches

Henry Fuseli’s The Three Witches

Engraved by: unknown

Published by: John & Josiah Boydell

Production Date: likely around 1798

Medium: Stipple engraving on wove paper

Dimensions: 8 * 10 inch

Description:

This engraving illustrates Act I, Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, depicting the eerie encounter between Macbeth, Banquo, and the three witches on a desolate heath. Fuseli’s composition captures the supernatural essence of the scene, portraying the witches with an unsettling aura that aligns with Shakespeare’s portrayal:

“… you should be women,

And yet your beards forbid me to interpret

That you are so.”

The stipple engraving technique employed by Caldwall adds depth and texture, enhancing the dramatic tension of the moment.

Provenance & Collectibility:

Commissioned for Boydell’s Shakespeare Gallery, this print is part of a significant collection aimed at celebrating Shakespeare’s works through visual art. Impressions of this engraving are held in esteemed institutions such as the British Museum and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The collaboration between Fuseli and Boydell, combined with the print’s Shakespearean subject matter, renders it a valuable piece for collectors of 18th-century art and literature.

Contact for Inquiry:

📧 jink@jinkink.com | 📧 Polikse@gmail.com