Droeshout, Martin (1601-50)
Creator details
- Name
- Droeshout, Martin (1601-50)
- Nationality
- Flemish
- Biography
- Martin Droeshout was a Flemish engraver and printmaker who lived from 1601 to 1650. He is best known for his portrait of William Shakespeare, which was used as the frontispiece for the First Folio of Shakespeare's plays in 1623. Droeshout was born in London to a family of Flemish artists and engravers. He began his career as an apprentice to his father, Michael Droeshout, and later worked for the publisher John Ogilby. Droeshout's work was highly regarded for its technical skill and attention to detail. In addition to his portrait of Shakespeare, he produced engravings of other notable figures of his time, including King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell. Despite his success as an artist, Droeshout struggled financially throughout his life and died in poverty at the age of 49.
