On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) scarce antique print "A Will O'The Wisp."
Brougham, as a will-o'-the-wisp, is followed or watched by four peers. He capers to the left, on long spidery legs; his body is a cylindrical lantern topped by his bewigged head. He is irradiated and looks slyly back from the corner of his eye. Lord Durham, stepping boldly forward, says: 'Let us take this Star for our guide, and Proceed boldly'. Lord Grey grips Durham's left arm, and steps gingerly from dry ground, saying, 'I fear we are getting bogged'. On the extreme right Lord Carnarvon grasps the coat-tails of Lord Londonderry, saying, 'Stop Man! T'is a "Will O' the Wisp" and will only lead you astray.—I tell you, you will only expose yourself to——' Londonderry, who is on Grey's right, interrupts: 'I don't care for that I will have dash at it'.
A satirical print in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, 1821-1851.
DATE PRINTED: Published 22 August 1831.
SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 37.5 x 27 cm (14.75 x 10.5 inches) plus margins with a blank back (medium).
ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Drawn by John Doyle (1797-1868, who signed his work HB). Born in Dublin, he trained with the landscapist Gabrielli, and at the Royal Dublin Society's drawing school. Moved to London in 1822. Exhibited portraits at the R.A. until 1835 but finding little success began to work as a political satirical printmaker from 1827. Used the monogram 'HB' to sign a numbered series of 917 lithographs published 1829-51.
PROVENANCE: Published in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, (1821-1851). In 1827 Doyle began publishing political prints anonymously. From 1829-1851 Doyle published his well-known Political Sketches series, signing his work with the initials "HB" to hide his identity.
TYPE: Antique lithograph printed on paper.
VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank.
CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian paper is 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: Text from 'An Illustrative Key to the Political Sketches of H.B.', London 1841:
A satire on the debate of 9 Aug. on the Belgic Negotiations on Londonderry's motion for an Address for papers; his long provocative speech (published as a pamphlet) was answered by Grey and pugnaciously attacked by Brougham. Carnarvon called the speech "a regular Will-o'-the Wisp", the only point of contact between print and debate: Durham, an unofficial adviser to King Leopold, was not present and was not mentioned. 'Parl. Deb.' (ref: British Museum).
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