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George Cruikshank (1792-1878), illustrator and
cartoonist, was born in Bloomsbury, London, the son of
Isaac Cruikshank, an illustrator and painter. His brother
Robert Cruikshank (1789-1856) was also an artist and
often collaborated with him. Taught to draw and etch by
his father, Cruikshank published political caricatures in
magazines before he was twenty years old. He became
known for his caricatures ridiculing King George IV
and for his social satires such as "Monstrosities" which
focused on the extremes of fashion.
Following the success of his plates for the book Life in
London (1821), Cruikshank turned increasingly from
caricature to illustration. He produced both collections
of his own humorous drawings and serious illustration
for other authors such as Charles Dickens and the
Brothers Grimm. In 1847, he became a believer in the
cause of alcohol prohibition and remained active in the
temperance movement until his death.
By the middle of the nineteenth century, Cruikshank's
satiric style was out of fashion, but he strongly
influenced later humorists like Phiz and Leech whose
work defined the great British humor magazine Punch.
BM Satires 12926, Cohn 1765, Reid 670
Condition: Very minor foxing to the top of image, some
minor foxing and marks to margins not affecting image
or plate.
[27567]
£150
35. Masquerade Scene in Kensington Gardens.
Etching
James Bretherton after Sam Sharp-Eye (attributed to
William Bunbury)
Publish’d as the Act directs 2nd july 1772, by
Bretherton, No 134, New Bond Street.
Image 202 x 179 mm, Sheet 237 x 194 mm
unmounted
On a scroll in the upper part of the plate is inscribed
‘Jack on a Cruise a Missey in ye Offing’
The nearer figure wears a hood and cloak over very
voluminous skirts, but a sailor's trousers are indicated
through the petticoat.
James Bretherton (fl.1750 - 1799) was an etcher, dealer
and publisher in London. The brother of Charles
Bretherton James is particularly associated with Henry
William Bunbury, many of whose works he engraved
and published. His stock of plates was auctioned in
1799.
M.Dorothy George suggest in the 'Catalogue of Political
and Personal Satires in the British Museum', V, 1935)
that Sam Sharp-Eye is infact William Bunbury however
there is no substantial evidence to back this up.
Henry William Bunbury (1750 - 1811) was an
illustrator and amateur draughtsman and a well-known
as a designer of satirical prints. He was from a landed
family and was educated Westminster and Cambridge.
He made his Grand tour from 1769-70
BM Satires 5083
Condition: Overall time toning, trimmed to just inside
plate. 1cm tear to the upper right margin just affecting
image border. Very minor tear to the upper left margin
not affectin image. [27568]
£120