George Cruikshank Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

A remarkable published sketch replete with primo pensiero; a window into Cruikshank's genius for sociopolitical caricature. Double-sided preparatory drawing in graphite with watercolor and ink on light-weight cream wove paper, 19 1/4 x 8 7/8 inches (487 x 224 mm), the full sheet. Signed boldly in brown ink, lower right image area. Uniform age tone, marginal wear including some minor areas of edge wear and two very minor associated losses at the lower left sheet edge. Colors appear to be slightly attenuated. There are three tabs of archival tape at the top sheet edge, verso; at right corner, left corner, and center. All condition points are entirely consistent with the age and nature of the paper and media. Multiple inscriptions in ink and graphite in Cruikshank's own hand. A maquette for the engraved image of the same title, used as the frontispiece to The Scourge, xii, published on June 18, 1816, by J. Johnson Cheapside, London. Impressions of the engraving for which this is a study may be found in the collections of the British Museum and the Yale University Library. Holiday-making 'cits' drive, ride, and walk (right to left) on a dusty road, in the direction of a sign-post (right) pointing 'To Wimbledon' (left); the opposite arm points (right) to Battersea. On the extreme left is the back of a coach, with outside passengers, one with a huge frothing tankard. A fat man trudges between two women, followed by a bloated dog. A 'cit' on a bucking horse follows. Next is a family party: a fat woman...

The History of Amelia is an original modern rare book engraved by George Cruikshank (London, 1792 – London, 1878) and written by Henry Fielding in 1832. Published by James Cochrane ...