first edition
1859 · New York
by Thew, Robert
Thew, Robert. Fanny Kemble (Butler) as Isabella, "Merciful Heaven!" New York: Johnson, Fry & Co., 1859. Engraving, portrait print by Robert Thew of Frances Anne "Fanny" Kemble Butler (1809-1893) in costume as Isabella in William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. The sheet measures 10 in x 7 ¼ in, with a vignette-decorated border of scenes from the play around an oval image, showing Fanny Kemble Butler in a full-figure pose. Once an illustration in a book, now disbound, with original tissue guard still attached, now torn. Slight chipping of the upper right-hand corner of the sheet, with no image loss. (Inventory #: 492)