The Return from the Chace

Reference: S35348
Author George Bickham il Giovane
Year: 1737 ca.
Printed: London
Measures: 200 x 325 mm
€150.00

Reference: S35348
Author George Bickham il Giovane
Year: 1737 ca.
Printed: London
Measures: 200 x 325 mm
€150.00

Description

Plate taken from The Musical Entertainer. London: Charles Corbett, [1737-1739 or later].

Bickham was principally known for this engraved work, first issued in fortnightly parts, each with four plates, between January 1737 and December 1739. A second edition was also brought out in parts 1740-41, and a third, printed from the original plates, was issued by John Ryall in 1765. The 200 plates are songs by Purcell, Handel, Haydn, Corelli, Pepusch and others, each headed with an engraved vignette, and quite apart from their musical interest they provide fascinating insight into the social life of the time. Eight of the designs are after Gravelot, and in Ray's opinion many others were imitated from Watteau's Oeuvre, leading him to say the song book "may almost be regarded as French."

George Bickham the Younger (c. 1706–1771) was an English etcher and engraver, a printseller, and one of the first English caricaturists. He produced didactic publications, political caricatures, and pornographical prints. He was the son of the engraver George Bickham the Elder (1684–1758), who published the Universal Penman (1733–41).

Etching, printed on contemporary laid paper, with margins, perfect condition.

Bibliografia

Stephen, Leslie, ed. (1886). "Bickham, George (d.1758)". Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 5. London: Smith, Elder & Co; Cohen-de Ricci 145-146; Ray, French Illustrated Book, 12.

George Bickham il Giovane (circa 1706 - 1771)

Prolific publisher of a very wide range of prints; first major publication, a series of engraved song sheets entitled 'The Musical Entertainer' (1737). Apprentices: William Austin (1747), and his nephew Thomas Butcher (1759). Some prints published by Bickham seem also to have been engraved/etched by him although lettered with pseudonyms. Announced his retirement on 25 April 1767 (Public Advertiser) stating that his business would be continued by Thomas Butcher. Died in Richmond, Surrey, on 21 June 1771, leaving his property to his widow, Elizabeth; sale of his copper plates and rolling press advertised in the Public Advertiser, 9 January 1772. Collaborated with his father, and many of their prints have not been properly identified; when there is any doubt, prints have been placed under George Bickham the Younger.

George Bickham il Giovane (circa 1706 - 1771)

Prolific publisher of a very wide range of prints; first major publication, a series of engraved song sheets entitled 'The Musical Entertainer' (1737). Apprentices: William Austin (1747), and his nephew Thomas Butcher (1759). Some prints published by Bickham seem also to have been engraved/etched by him although lettered with pseudonyms. Announced his retirement on 25 April 1767 (Public Advertiser) stating that his business would be continued by Thomas Butcher. Died in Richmond, Surrey, on 21 June 1771, leaving his property to his widow, Elizabeth; sale of his copper plates and rolling press advertised in the Public Advertiser, 9 January 1772. Collaborated with his father, and many of their prints have not been properly identified; when there is any doubt, prints have been placed under George Bickham the Younger.