Lot 96
George S. & Johann G. Facius Romeo & Juliet Engraving
Live — closing Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET
- Estimate
- $100–$300
- Starting bid
- $30
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About this lot
Artist: George S. & Johann G. Facius, after John Opie
Title: Romeo and Juliet, Act IV, Scene V
Medium: Black-and-white engraving reproduction on paper
Origin: England, published through the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery project, London; later 19th-century American reproduction likely associated with S. Spooner of New York
Dimension:Framed: Approx. 33 x 26.5 in.
Condition: Fair to good. The engraving presents with a hole in the margin and noticeable age-related staining, particularly within the margins and areas associated with the mounting materials. The margins, signatures, and publishing notations have aged significantly, while the central engraved image remains clear and free of apparent damage. The staining is likely related to the use of non-acid-free matting materials. Replacement of the existing mat and backing with archival, museum-quality, acid-free materials is highly recommended to help preserve the engraving.
Additional Information: This black-and-white engraving reproduces John Opie’s 1791 painting of Romeo and Juliet, Act IV, Scene V, engraved by German-born brothers George Sigmund Facius and Johann Gottlieb Facius and originally published by John and Josiah Boydell as part of the celebrated Boydell Shakespeare Gallery project in London. The scene depicts the dramatic moment when Juliet has been discovered apparently lifeless after taking Friar Lawrence’s potion, with her parents, attendants, and Friar Lawrence gathered around her bed in grief and disbelief. Juliet, dressed in white, lies at the center of the composition, drawing the viewer’s attention through the strong contrast between the light bedclothes and the densely engraved darker areas. The surrounding figures form a semicircular arrangement, while sweeping drapery and architectural details frame the composition like a theatrical stage. The original Opie painting dates to 1791 and is now housed in the National Museum of Scotland. This example is a later black-and-white print reproduction of the original engraving, likely associated with the 19th-century publishing tradition and possibly the S. Spooner publishing house of New York. Unlike many later impressions with trimmed margins, this example retains its larger original margins, adding to its historical presentation.
Lot details
- Lot
- 96
- Category
- Wall Art › Prints Etching
- Estimate
- $100–$300
- Starting bid
- $30
- Bids
- 0
- Bidding closes
- Oct 29 at 1:15 pm ET
