Description: WILLIAM BLAKE (1757–1827) engraving of William Hogarth: The Beggar's Opera, Act III, Published July 1, 1790. British Museum: “This is the largest and finest of Blake's reproductive prints and is regarded as the high point in Blake's career as a commercial engraver. The print was commissioned by John Boydell around 1788 after Hogarth's painting of a performance of John Gay's 'The Beggar's Opera', first performed at Lincoln's Inn Fields in 1728.” This is a huge, brilliant, richly dark William Blake impression with ample margins on all sides. Stains on margins and back not affecting image, please see the photos. Slight vertical fold visible on back but not noticeable on front. This is an extremely early impression from the original William Blake 1st edition. This is not a print from the so-called “restored” plate, nor is it the facsimile produced by Harvard. Image: 15.75 x 21 inches; Platemark: 18 x 22.9 inches; Sheet: 18.5 x 23.5 inches. Quite thick 234-year-old heavily printed sheet, so this is shipped flat. Thank you for looking. I hope you get a chance to check out my other lots, and have a wonderful day! [Inscription below title: 'When my hero in court appears, &c. / From the Original Picture in the Collection of His Grace, the Duke of Leeds.']
Price: 1650 USD
Location: Chicago, Illinois
End Time: 2025-01-02T19:20:34.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Artist: William Blake
Unit of Sale: Single Piece
Image Orientation: Landscape
Size: Large
Period: Neoclassicism/Romantism (1770-1840)
Title: The Beggar's Opera, Act III
Item Length: 24 in
Region of Origin: London, England
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Framing: Unframed
Subject: Operas
Type: Print
Year of Production: 1790
Item Height: 19 in
Style: Impressionism
Theme: Theater, Opera
Features: 1st Edition
Production Technique: Copper Engraving
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Handmade: Yes
Time Period Produced: 1750-1799