John Boydell
(1720-1804), Engraver and printsellerSitter in 13 portraits
Artist associated with 132 portraits
John Boydell was the most important print publisher of his day, and was responsible for the publication of some of the most impressive paintings of the period. In 1769, he launched A Collection of Prints, Engraved from the most Capital Paintings in England. A second volume was completed in 1772. In the 1790s, Boydell began a Shakespeare venture that included the establishment of a Shakespeare Gallery and the publication of an illustrated edition of Shakespeare's plays. Some of the most illustrious painters of the day contributed, but financial woes dogged the project as Britain's economy suffered during the French Revolutionary wars. The expenses were so large that Boydell died almost bankrupt.
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