George Richardson 18th Century Architectural Engraving
Item Details
A hand-colored engraving, on laid paper, believed to be from ‘A Book of Ceilings Composed in the Style of the Antique Grotesque,’ engraved by George Richardson (1736-1813). The volume included 48 plates, one of which was comprised of two pages. This particular plate features a Romanesque rectangular ceiling, the kind that might adorn a great hall of some sort, a large space for entertaining. The entire ceiling is decorated with figural illustrations, delicately woven together in a glorious design, depicting gingerly rendered characters of mythology, going about their heavenly businesses. Additionally there is a great deal of ornamentation in gold, all backed in robin’s egg blue, to the effect of floral intricacies. The plate features three different numerals, the first one is 30, followed by 48 (meaning this is the final page) and then a Roman XLVII meaning 47. What these numbers are meant to designate is hard to figure without the remainder of the book. In the bottom of the margin of this particular print however is written ‘Published as The Act Directs, 1776.’ The hand coloring, quality, and subject of this print are equally interesting, and make it extremely collectible, not to mention its impeccable condition. Comes to you in a mat case, waiting for you choice of fine framing, archival of course.
Condition
- in great shape considering age, was taped to mat, tap still present to back of paper, toned in a manner consistent with age and exposure.
Dimensions
18.5"w x 11.75"h plate size
Item #
14CIN101-055
