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Strategic Mastermind: J. H. Blackburne, Chess Luminary, Vanity Fair 1888 by Spy
$209.61
$262.0120% Off
£156.08
£195.1020% Off
€176
€22020% Off
CA$287.12
CA$358.9020% Off
A$320.17
A$400.2120% Off
CHF 167.05
CHF 208.8120% Off
MX$3,928.60
MX$4,910.7520% Off
NOK 2,126.29
NOK 2,657.8720% Off
SEK 2,014.62
SEK 2,518.2720% Off
DKK 1,339.82
DKK 1,674.7820% Off
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About the Item
This Vanity Fair caricature from June 2, 1888, features Mr. J. H. Blackburne, a distinguished figure in the world of chess, as indicated by the simple but telling caption "Chess." Joseph Henry Blackburne, known as "The Black Death," was an influential British chess player famed for his aggressive style of play and prowess in chess tournaments during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The caricature, drawn by 'Spy'—Sir Leslie Ward, depicts Blackburne in a contemplative pose, perhaps reflecting the strategic thinking that chess demands. His attire is formal yet understated, typical of the era, and his facial expression is pensive, capturing his intellectual and focused nature. The cane he holds may symbolize his stature in society or simply serve as an elegant accessory of the time.
The inclusion of a chess piece in the top corner further emphasizes his connection to the game and his significant role within it. This piece likely represents his strategic mastery and the respect he commanded in the chess community.
The illustration in Vanity Fair was created using lithography, a popular printing technique in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing an image with a grease-based medium on a limestone plate, then treating the surface with a chemical that ensures the ink only adheres to the drawn areas. This plate is then used to print the image on paper. The technique allows for high-quality, detailed prints that capture subtle gradations of tone and sharp contrasts, ideal for vividly portraying the unique caricatures for which Vanity Fair was known.
Vanity Fair prints gained popularity due to several factors:
1. Celebrity and Notoriety: The magazine featured prominent figures from various fields, including politics, royalty, arts, and sports. This wide range appealed to a broad audience interested in different aspects of society and celebrity.
2. Artistic Quality: The prints were known for their high artistic quality and the distinctive styles of the contributing artists, such as 'Ape' (Carlo Pellegrini), and 'Spy', who had a keen eye for detail and a wry sense of humor that shone through in his caricatures.
3. Humor and Satire: The caricatures often included humorous and satirical interpretations of the subjects’ personalities and careers, making them not only visually engaging but also entertaining.
4. Collectibility and Decoration: These prints were collectible items even at the time of their publication. They were often framed and displayed, serving as conversation pieces due to their striking and often amusing portrayals of well-known personalities.
5. Social Commentary: By exaggerating features and mannerisms, the caricatures provided insightful, though playful, commentary on the public figures of the day, resonating with the Victorian society’s appetite for social and political satire.
The combination of high artistic standards, humor, and social critique in a format accessible to the Victorian middle class made Vanity Fair lithographs highly popular and sought after as both collectibles and decor.
- Dimensions:Height: 15.75 in (40 cm)Width: 10.63 in (27 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1888
- Condition:Condition: Good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13102-121stDibs: LU3054341316992
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