William Marshall (illustrator)

William Marshall (dates unknown) was an English illustrator and wood-engraver active primarily in the 17th century. He is known for his prolific output of engraved portraits and title pages for a wide range of books and pamphlets during the reigns of James I, Charles I, and into the Commonwealth period.

Marshall's style is characterized by its somewhat stiff and formal rendering of his subjects. His portraiture often features elaborate framing devices, coats of arms, and symbolic imagery, reflecting the status and allegiances of the individuals he depicted. While not considered among the very top tier of 17th-century engravers, his work provides valuable visual documentation of prominent figures and events of the era.

He frequently worked for London publishers, producing illustrations for religious works, political tracts, literary texts, and scientific treatises. Subjects of his portraits included royalty, clergymen, politicians, and authors. Marshall's work provides insight into the visual culture and printing practices of the period. Detailed biographical information about Marshall remains scarce, but his substantial body of work testifies to his importance as a visual communicator in 17th-century England.