An original engraving by the reknown Puch artist John Leech. This fine example is in excellent condition with hand colouring. The frame is in good condition and has served to protect this engraving for the past 169 years.
John Leech (29 August 1817 – 29 October 1864) was a British caricaturist and illustrator. He is best known for his work for Punch, a humorous magazine for a broad middle-class audience, combining verbal and graphic political satire with light social comedy. Leech catered to contemporary prejudices, such as anti-Americanism and antisemitism and supported acceptable social reforms. Leech's critical yet humorous cartoons on the Crimean War help shape public attitudes toward heroism, warfare, and Britons' role in the world.
Leech also enjoys fame as the first illustrator of Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol.
He was furthermore a pioneer in comics, creating the recurring character Mr. Briggs and some sequential illustrated gags.
The adventures of Mr. Sponge are taken from the book Mr Sponge's Sporting Tour written by R.S. Surtees and illustrated by John Leech.
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