1834 Antique Satirical Print; The Fall of Icarus by Doyle

Description: On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) scarce antique print " The Fall of Icarus." A man wearing wings lettered with 'Edinburgh Review', 'Society of useful knowledge', Penny Encyclopædia', 'Morning Chronicle, and 'Globe.' (Lord Brougham), falling headlong through the air; the sun, with the face of a man in profile to right, looking down at him, smiling (King William IV). A satirical print in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, 1821-1851. DATE PRINTED: Published 29 November 1834. SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 26 x 36.5 cm (10.25 x 14.5 inches) plus margins with a blank back (medium). ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Drawn by John Doyle (1797-1868, who signed his work HB). Born in Dublin, he trained with the landscapist Gabrielli, and at the Royal Dublin Society's drawing school. Moved to London in 1822. Exhibited portraits at the R.A. until 1835 but finding little success began to work as a political satirical printmaker from 1827. Used the monogram 'HB' to sign a numbered series of 917 lithographs published 1829-51. PROVENANCE: Published in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, (1821-1851). In 1827 Doyle began publishing political prints anonymously. From 1829-1851 Doyle published his well-known Political Sketches series, signing his work with the initials "HB" to hide his identity. TYPE: Antique lithograph printed on paper. VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank. CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian paper is subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy. AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique. RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition. POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Text from 'An Illustrative Key to the Political Sketches of H.B.', London 1841: Icarus was the son of Daedalus, who being confined, together with his son, in the labyrinth which he himself had constructed, made wings for both, with feathers and wax, for the purpose of effecting their escape. Daedalus was successful, and landed in safety in Cumæ, but Icarus taking a higher flight, approached the sun too closely; and the wax of his wings being thereby melted, he fell into the sea. The fate of this ambitions youth is, in the present sketch, compared with that of the Lord-Chancellor Brougham. His eagerness to worship the rising sun, is represented at No. LXXI; but during his provincial tour, his language, in reference to his most gracious master, arrived at such a degree of familiarity, that the king could endure it no longer, but waxing warm he melted the Chancellor's wax; the great seal, therefore, ran away from him, and he fell to rise no more. The feathers of which the wings are composed, are marked with the titles of the various publications to which Lord Brougham was reputed to be a contributor, and which were loudest in sounding the king's praises and his own, after the well-known style of "Ego et Rex meus." (ref: British Museum). Please explore my ebay shop for more antique prints. Track Page Views With Auctiva's FREE Counter

Price: 24.99 GBP

Location: Marlow

End Time: 2024-12-07T21:55:52.000Z

Shipping Cost: 19.78 GBP