Inscription
lower left in plate: Painted by Rob.t Smirke R. A. / Pist. A trial come. / Evans. Come, will this wood take fire. / They burn him with their tapers / Fal. Oh, oh, oh.; lower center in plate: SHAKSPEARE / Merry Wives of Windsor / ACT V SCENE V / Windsor Park. Fallstaff disguised with a buck's head on &c / Published Jany. 1. 1795 by John & Josiah Boydell, at his Shakspeare Gallery, Pall Mall _ & at No. 90 Cheapside, London; lower right in plate: Engraved by I Taylor jun / Quick. Corrupt, corrupt, and tainted in desire / About him, fairies sing a scornful rhyme / And as you trip, still pinch him to your time.
Provenance
(Campbell Fine Art, London, 2 August 1997); Donald Vogler, Portland, OR; gift to NGA, 2017.