Original William Elmes 1811 Hand Colored Engraving
Item Details
An original metal engraving with incredible one of a kind and many colored hand embellishing by British Artist William Elmes, about whom it would appear that very little is known. The print is entitled ‘Prime Bang Up at Hackney or a Peep at the Balloon 12th Aug.’ ‘A plebeian crowd, much caricatured, cheers the majestic ascent of a balloon. On the right is part of an old-fashioned gabled building with a large projecting sign, ’Mermaid’: a mermaid emerges from the sea holding up a comb and a wine-bottle. Two men and a woman sit on the beam of the sign, two other men climb up to it. In the foreground a fat woman has fallen over a sow and her litter. A sailor carries astride his shoulders a stout woman, who waves frantically. The roofs of coaches are crowded with cheering spectators. Others wave from distant roofs and from the square tower of Hackney Church. Two tiny aeronauts wave flags from the car of the balloon, which is vertically striped, with cross-bands round its circumference inscribed ‘G. P. W’, a crown, and ‘P R’.
Plate numbered 80 (via The British Museum).’ This fine engraving is presented in an ornamental wooden frame with white paint, ribbing, and gilt as well as a single mat to edge.
Condition
- mild wear consistent with age.
Dimensions
Image size: 9.5"w x 14"h
Item #
14CIN351-154
Additional Information
