Postcard Shakespeare First Folio 1623 Title Page RPPC Jarrold Martin Droeshout For Sale

Staring out across four centuries with that unmistakable domed forehead and Jacobean ruff collar, William Shakespeare gazes from the title page of the 1623 First Folio — the book that saved his plays for posterity — in this sharp real-photograph postcard published by Jarrold & Sons of Norwich. The engraving, executed by young Flemish-born artist Martin Droeshout when he was barely 22 years old, remains the most reproduced portrait of any writer in history, and this RPPC captures every cross-hatched line of his copper plate with photographic precision. The First Folio — formally titled Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, Published according to the True Originall Copies and printed in London by Isaac Jaggard and Ed. Blount — survives in only about 235 known copies today, making even a postcard reproduction of its title page a charming piece of literary history. Jarrold & Sons, a distinguished Norwich printer and bookseller operating since 1823, produced this as part of their Shakespeare Birthplace series (SBP 102), likely aimed at visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon. The \"Guaranteed Real Photograph\" designation on the reverse confirms this is a true silver-gelatin RPPC rather than a halftone print, giving the portrait exceptional tonal depth.

SKU: PC-02011