1802 Large Folio Size Antique Engraving titled SIGISMONDA by Hogarth (HL)

Listing Template 2018 Home About Us View Feedback Contact Us 1802 Large Folio Size Antique Engraving titled SIGISMONDA by Hogarth (HL)Click image to enlargeDescription1802A fine folio size original copper engravingtitled:SIGISMONDA from the Original Picture, in the Collection of Ald. BoydellA fine large folio size engraved print measuringapprox 57cm x 44cm including the margins. Excellent condition with later hand colouring.A stipple engraving by Benjamin Smith of Hogarth's original oil painting of Sigismunda, commissioned by John and Josiah Boydell for their editions of Hogarth's complete works. Hogarth's Sigismunda was intended to be the grandest example of Hogarth's ability as a heroic painter, which he hoped would prove the merit of modern British art when compared to the Old Masters. The painting was advertised using the subscription ticket 'Time Smoking a Picture,' a clear demonstration of Hogarth's challenge to the supposed primacy of the ancients. Unfortunately the painting was heavily criticised, and Hogarth was so dispirited as to almost give up painting entirely. The scene is taken from Boccaccio's Decameron. Sigismunda, dressed in a veil, heavy long-sleeved dress, and pearls, has just received delivery of a golden goblet, which houses the heart of her husband, Guiscardo. Her father, Prince Tancred, disapproving of her marriage to a man of such low birth, has had her lover executed, the horrible gift a signal of his anger.Benjamin Smith (1754-1833) was a British engraver, printseller, and publisher. A student of Francesco Bartolozzi, his most celebrated engravings were the series he undertook for Boydell's editions of Shakespeare and Milton, though he also produced many fine plates after William Hogarth and George Romney, as well as portraits of George III.Luke Sullivan (1705 - 1771) was a London-based Irish engraver and miniature painter. He was supported in his early career by the Duke of Beaufort, his father having worked for the Duke as a groom. His best known works were completed as an assistant to William Hogarth, though Hogarth was reputed to have had difficulty working with Sullivan, owing to the latter's erratic behaviour and frequent absences. Later in his career he worked on engravings of various British views, including that of Stonehenge for Grose's 'Antiquities of England and Wales,' as well as having some success as a miniaturist with the Society of Artists.William Hogarth (1697 - 1764) was born in London, the son of an unsuccessful schoolmaster and writer from Westmoreland. After apprenticeship to a goldsmith, he began to produce his own engraved designs in about 1710. He later took up oil painting, starting with small portrait groups called conversation pieces. He went on to create a series of paintings satirising contemporary customs, but based on earlier Italian prints, of which the first was The Harlot's Progress (1731), and perhaps the most famous The Rake's Progress. His engravings were so plagiarised that he lobbied for the Copyright Act of 1735, commonly referred to as 'Hogarth's Act,' as a protection for writers and artists. During the 1730s Hogarth also developed into an original painter of life-sized portraits, and created the first of several history paintings in the grand manner. View Our Categories Decorative Prints World Wide Maps Scotland Maps Architecture Design England Maps Royalty About UsWe specialise in selling all items that can be considered to be Antique Paper. * PRINTS * MAPS * HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS * POSTAL HISTORY * BOOKS * POSTERS * STAMPS * POSTCARDS * EPHEMERA And anything else that is considered Antique and made of Paper. ALL OF OUR ITEMS ARE ORIGINAL ANTIQUES - NOT MODERN COPIES. We are also very keen buyers of anything similar and especially after better collections, original archives, whole libraries and better single items and have and#163;250,000 in cash funds at anyone time to buy the right items. Contact UsIf you have any questions then please do not hesitate to c.