William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories and Tragedies (Second Folio)

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William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories and Tragedies (Second Folio)

Artist Martin Droeshout (British, 1564-1616)

Printer Thomas Cotes (for Robert Allot), London

Author William Shakespeare (British, 1564-1616)

Place of OriginLondon, England

Date1632

DimensionsOverall: 142 1/2 x 83 3/4 in. (362 x 212.7 cm)

Mediumprinted book; engraved portrait on title page

ClassificationBooks

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1923.3113

Not on View

Label TextIn the first quarter of the 17th century, the two most-often printed books in the English language appeared: The King James Version of the Bible, and the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays. Prior to William Shakespeare's death in 1616, only eight of his plays had been printed. Were it not for the printing of the First Folio in 1623 and the Second Folio in 1632 (this is the edition owned by the Museum), the complete works of Shakespeare would have been lost to posterity. The Folios are, therefore, among the world's great literary treasures. The Second Folio is displayed here in honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death (April 23, 1616) and in anticipation of a small focus exhibition later this year celebrating the Bard.Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, Looks Good on Paper: Masterworks and Favorites, Oct. 10, 2014-Jan. 11, 2015.

Toledo Museum of Art, Shakespeare's Characters: Playing the Part, September 2, 2016-January 8, 2017.