Theobald, though of no original talent, was certainly, in his generation, the most successful illustrator of Shakspeare, and the first, though Rowe and Pope had preceded him in the effort, who had brought a sound verbal criticism to bear on the text.

At twenty-four his paintings were accepted at the Salon; at twenty-eight he had returned to New York and was busy as an illustrator for Life, Truth, and other periodicals.

The first was from Mr. Marvin, Uncle John's banker, saying: "After much negotiation I have secured for you the best newspaper illustrator in New York, and a girl, too, which is an added satisfaction.

The principal illustrator to the firm was William Mulready.