"William Shakespeare" (1564–1616)

"William Shakespeare" (1564–1616)
Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780)
after a portrait on the possession of John Nicoll
Line engraving, published by John & Paul Knapton, 1747
On paper, framed and glazed in antique Hogarth style frame 
Size:  39 cm x 25 cm (sheet)

Sitter within a feigned architectural oval with his name on scroll beneath, along with a lyre, a branch of fruit, a theatrical mask, sword and trumpet. Lettered in lower margin: "J. Houbraken sculps. Amst. 1747 / In the Possession of John Nicoll of Southgate Esqr. / Impensis J. & P. Knapton Londini."