On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) scarce antique print "St Cecilia." Below "Publish'd April 24th 1782 by H. Humphrey, New Bond Street." 
A burlesque of Reynolds's painting of Mrs. Sheridan as 'St. Cecilia'. Lady Cecilia Johnston sits at the organ in profile to the right, on a low stool, her face hit by rays which descend through clouds. The place of the two angels in Reynolds's picture is taken by two squalling cats, who sit on the player's left, a book of music propped up in front of them. 24 April 1782 (ref: British Museum).

DATE PRINTED: 1849 from a plate first published in 1782.

SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 22 x 16 cm (8.75 x 6.25 inches) plus margins with a blank back (medium).  

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER:  Drawn and etched by James Gillray. James Gillray (13 August 1756 – 1 June 1815) was a British caricaturist and printmaker famous for his etched political and social satires, mainly published between 1792 and 1810. Many of his works are held at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Gillray has been called "the father of the political cartoon", with his works satirizing George III, Napoleon, prime ministers and generals. Regarded as being one of the two most influential cartoonists, the other being William Hogarth, Gillray's wit and humour, knowledge of life, fertility of resource, keen sense of the ludicrous, and beauty of execution, at once gave him the first place among caricaturists. In his caricatures Gillray was attacking the social follies of the time with scathing satire, and nothing escapes his notice. He is honourably distinguished in the history of caricature by the fact that his sketches are real works of art.

PROVENANCE: First published in 1782.  In 1849/1851 Henry George Bohn put out an edition, from the original plates in a handsome elephant folio from where this example is taken, the coarser sketches-commonly known as the "Suppressed Plates"-being published in a separate volume.

VERSO: There is part of another view printed on the reverse side.

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy.  

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy.  The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique.

RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition.

POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:   .

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