A hand coloured caricature etching after one of the first and best known British caricaturists, James Gillray (1757-1815).
It depicts a solitary man wearing breeches and a frock coat, holding a crop or walking stick in front of him. Raised eyebrows, a rather jowly face, large nose and curled hair.
Titled 'Mental Energy' this is a caricature of John Fitzgibbon, 1st Earl of Clare and Lord Chancellor of Ireland from 1789 to 1802. Born in Dublin he remains a controversial figure in Irish history, a staunch Protestant he was an opponent of Catholic Emancipation and a strong supporter of the Act of Union between Ireland and Great Britain - this finally happened in 1801 so may have been the reason for this caricature.
Signed in the plate lower left.
First published in 1801 by Gillray's main publisher and landlady Hannah Humphrey, this is a slightly later reprint by Henry Bohn who purchased Gillray's original copper plates from Humphrey after the artist's death and republished the complete set in 1851.
It is in excellent condition and well presented with a buff coloured card mount with hand drawn edging within a brown wood frame with gilt trim. The mount is in excellent condition, the frame has some small signs of age but remains presentable.
Measures 40 x 34.5cm including the frame, the plate only is 25 x 20cm. Glazed and ready to hang, please excuse any flash/reflection in the photographs which have been taken through the glass.
Note this is one of two similar I am listing for sale - both are shown in the final photograph. Postage will be combined if the two are purchased together.
Postage £7 to mainland UK, £24 to mainland Uk, £46 to the USA. I can remove from the frame to reduce the cost of overseas postage if requested.
About me - I am a very experienced retailer and am qualified in Art History. I have been selling on eBay for many years and am now finding, researching and selling paintings and antique prints full time. There are hundreds of paintings and prints available in my ebay shop Jenny Tudor Pictures where my aim is to offer a selection of interesting, well researched works with prices starting at just a few pounds and to increase the appreciation of engravings! Also, happy to take on commissions if there are specific artists or types of work you would like found for you. I am very proud of my 100% positive feedback and will do all I can to ensure that you are pleased with your purchase. New items are added regularly so please do keep looking. Thank you.