Shakespeare’s First Folio (1623) - Title Page & Engraved Portrait #1945450 (License: Personal Use)

This image displays the opening spread of the 1623 First Folio, the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays, printed in London by Isaac Iaggard and Edward Blount. The right-hand page features the now-famous Droeshout engraving of Shakespeare, while the left contains Ben Jonson’s influential prefatory poem urging readers to value the text over the likeness. The aged paper, ornate binding, and early modern typography reflect its status as a foundational artifact of English literary heritage.

Used on museum exhibit pages, academic digital archives, and literary history sites; serves users seeking primary source visuals for research, education, or cultural appreciation of Shakespearean bibliography.