1838 Antique Satirical Print; The Fate of Marsyas by Doyle

Description: On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) scarce antique print "The Fate of Marsyas. Sarcasm means literally a peeling off the skin." A satirical print in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, 1821-1851. A man in the character of Marsyas (Lord Durham), tied to a tree at left by a man (Thomas Spring Rice), watched by a man seated next to him at right (Lord Glenelg), a man standing behind, holding a razor (Lord Melbourne), and a man seated in foreground, holding a knife in his right hand; at far right, a man seated on a rock, in the character of Apollo (Lord Brougham), holding a lyre with his left hand, his right arm outstretched, pointing at Marsyas with his index finger; in foreground at centre left, a flute lying on the ground. DATE PRINTED: Published 19 November 1838.SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 36.5 x 28.5 cm (14.25 x 11.25 inches) plus margins with a blank back (medium). ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Drawn by John Doyle (1797-1868, who signed his work HB). Born in Dublin, he trained with the landscapist Gabrielli, and at the Royal Dublin Society's drawing school. Moved to London in 1822. Exhibited portraits at the R.A. until 1835 but finding little success began to work as a political satirical printmaker from 1827. Used the monogram 'HB' to sign a numbered series of 917 lithographs published 1829-51. PROVENANCE: Published in the series 'Political Sketches', published by Thomas McLean, (1821-1851). In 1827 Doyle began publishing political prints anonymously. From 1829-1851 Doyle published his well-known Political Sketches series, signing his work with the initials "HB" to hide his identity.TYPE: Antique lithograph printed on paper. VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank. CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian paper is subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy. AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique. RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition. POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print.BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Text from 'An Illustrative Key to the Political Sketches of H.B.', London 1841: It may be doubted if Lord Durham ever seriously entertained the design of "trying conclusions" with Lord Brougham. If he had attempted it, he would most assuredly have failed as signally as Marsyas in contending with Apollo, and if sarcasm signify a peeling off of the skin, Saint Bartholomew himself, in comparison with the noble Earl, would have been a man to be envied; for Lord Brougham's sarcasm is not such a delicate kind of peeling as a skilful operator would effect with a keen knife and a pair of forceps, but it is a process as rough as a rasp, a file, a piece of pumice-stone, or a scraper, - tearing, not skin alone, but muscle, nerve, and tendon. The occasion of the supposed trial of skill, and its natural consequences, was Lord Durham's return from Canada, when it was thought that he must reply to the many severe things said of him in his absence by Lord Brougham. Assuming that Lord Durham would reply to the learned Lord, and that the learned Lord would vanquish him in a rejoinder, his fate is here sketched, and, we behold him bound, like the conquered Marsyas, to a tree, to be flayed alive. That handy little assistant, who is behind the tree, drawing tight the ropes, is the present Lord Monteagle. The practiced operator, who is drawing the razor across the palm of his hand, is Lord Melbourne; and, a little below, is an admirable portrait of Lord Glenelg, regarding the victim with his usual apathy. The figure on his knees, in the fore-ground, may be anybody; but, in the Apollo, it is not possible to mistake Lord Brougham. (ref: British Museum).Please explore my ebay shop for more antique prints. Track Page Views With Auctiva's FREE Counter

Price: 24.99 GBP

Location: Marlow

End Time: 2024-12-13T10:01:48.000Z

Shipping Cost: 19.57 GBP