Items Similar to Strategic Mastermind: J. H. Blackburne, Chess Luminary, Vanity Fair 1888 by Spy
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Strategic Mastermind: J. H. Blackburne, Chess Luminary, Vanity Fair 1888 by Spy
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
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,436 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAntique Vanity Fair Print 'Shamrock' 1901 by Spy – Decorative Lithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Vanity Fair Print 'Shamrock' Sept. 26th, 1901 by Spy – Decorative Lithograph
This is an antique color lithograph from the iconic Vani...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Vanity Fair Print 'Mr. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt' by Spy – 1899
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Vanity Fair Print 'Mr. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt' by Spy – 1899
This is an original Vanity Fair lithograph featuring Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, published as a supplement in 1899. The caricature was created by Leslie Ward, famously known as "Spy." Vanderbilt, a prominent American businessman and a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, is depicted here in his signature style—elegantly dressed in a tailored double-breasted coat, holding a driving whip, and wearing a top hat. The details of his fashionable attire and poised stance highlight his status as a key figure in high society and equestrian sports.
Published by Bemrose Dalziel Ltd., this Vanity Fair caricature is part of a long-standing tradition of capturing notable personalities from various spheres, including the aristocracy, business, and sport. Alfred Vanderbilt was known for his involvement in coaching and horse racing, making this print a wonderful representation of his lifestyle and the culture of the elite during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This lithograph is perfect for collectors of Vanity Fair prints, equestrian enthusiasts, or those interested in historical depictions of influential figures. It serves as a stylish decorative piece, ideal for those who appreciate vintage caricatures...
Category
Antique 1890s Prints
Materials
Paper
The Steady Batsman: Robert 'Bobby' Abel in Vanity Fair 1902 by 'Spy'
Located in Langweer, NL
This Vanity Fair portrait, published in June 1902, is a chromolithograph depicting Robert Abel, a prominent English cricketer, famously known as "Bobby." The illustration, drawn by S...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
Sword and Pen: Egerton Castle, a Dual Virtuoso in Vanity Fair 1905 by 'Spy'
Located in Langweer, NL
The caricature is of Mr. Egerton Castle, depicted in Vanity Fair on March 9, 1905, under the "Men of the Day" series, number 954. Egerton Castle was not only a fencer but also an est...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
Elegance at Play: John Roberts Jr., Billiards Virtuoso, Vanity Fair 1885 by Spy
Located in Langweer, NL
This Vanity Fair caricature, dated April 4, 1885, features John Roberts Jr., famously known as 'The Champion Roberts.' The illustration depicts him engaged in a game of billiards, a ...
Category
Antique 1880s Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Vanity Fair Print 'In the Winning Crew' Mr. McKenna, M.P. by Spy, 1906
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Vanity Fair Print 'In the Winning Crew' Mr. R. McKenna, M.P. by Spy – 1906
This is an original Vanity Fair lithograph titled "In the Wi...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
1870s & 1880s Set of 6 Framed "Judges" Vanity Fair Spy & Ape Prints
By Carlo Pellegrini, Sir Leslie Ward
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
1870s & 1880s set of 6 framed period "Judges" Vanity Fair Spy & Ape Prints. These full page caricatures were published by Vanity Fair of famous men & w...
Category
Antique 1870s British Victorian Prints
Materials
Paper
3 Beautifully Framed Vanity Fair Satyrical Prints
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
3 Beautifully Framed Vanity Fair Satyrical Prints
This is a collection of 3 Beautifully Framed Vanity Fair Satyrical Prints
This is a good collection of coloured prints, the pict...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Beaux Arts Prints
Materials
Pewter
Vanity Fair, Military Print, the Cavalry Division
By Godfrey Douglas Giles
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vanity fair military print 'the Cavalry Division' after G.D.G.
A chromolithograph military print published 12th July, 1900, by Vincent Brooks, Day & S...
Category
20th Century British Sporting Art Prints
Materials
Paper
Vintage Tennis Vanity Fair Print of Michailovitch Of Russia
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
Vanity Fair Lawn Tennis, Michael Michailovitch, Grand Duke of Russia.
A chromolithograph tennis print published 4th Jan, 1894, by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son Ltd. Lith., for Vanity Fai...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Sporting Art Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
Vanity Fair “A Big Hitter” Men of the Day #543 Andrew E. Stoddart, July 09, 1892
By Vanity Fair
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vanity Fair “Spy Cricketeers-Men of the Day” # 543, Andrew Ernest Stoddart,
“A Big Hitter”, chromolithograph by Jehu Junior, published July 09, 1892.
...
Category
Antique 1890s British Victorian Prints
Materials
Wood, Paper
The Spy Who Loved Me
Located in London, GB
Original Us film poster for the 1977 James Bond films The Spy Who Loved starring Roger Moore and Barbra Bach.
The film was directed by Lewis Gilbert.
The artwork on this poster is ...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Posters
Materials
Paper
