Art, Myth & Old Masters · 19th century
€ 160
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Chromolithograph on cream paper. A few scattered foxing spots in the margin, image area clean and colors bright. No tears or repairs. Sheet remains in very good original condition.
Mr Stiggins from Pickwick Papers – Kyd Character Print after Dickens, ca. 1889
This original chromolithograph depicts the comic character Mr Stiggins from Charles Dickens’s *The Pickwick Papers*, first published in 1836. A hypocritical temperance preacher with a secret fondness for brandy, Mr Stiggins is shown here clutching a glass of liquor on a tray with a furtive, self-righteous expression. His clerical black suit, red-spotted handkerchief, umbrella, and exaggerated posture bring out the satirical humor Dickens is known for.
MR. STIGGINS
.... walking softly across the room to a well-remembered shelf in one corner, took down a tumbler, and, with great deliberation, put four lumps of sugar in it. Having got thus far, he looked about him again, and sighed grievoursly. ( Pickwick Papers - Chapter Iii )
The illustration is by Joseph Clayton Clarke, better known as “Kyd,” a British artist (1856–1937) celebrated for his characterful and whimsical interpretations of Dickens’s literary figures. Kyd’s illustrations were widely reproduced in the late 19th century, and this print comes from the series “The Characters of Charles Dickens,” published by Raphael Tuck & Sons. These prints were issued in sets featuring vibrant full-color lithographs after Kyd’s original watercolors, each highlighting a different figure from Dickens’s novels.
Printed at the Fine Art Works in London and distributed through Raphael Tuck’s international offices in London, Paris, and New York, these illustrations were sold both individually and in portfolio collections. Mr Stiggins is one of the standout caricatures in the series, combining humor with sharply observed detail in pose, expression, and costume.
Condition report:
Chromolithograph on cream paper. A few scattered foxing spots in the margin, image area clean and colors bright. No tears or repairs. Sheet remains in very good original condition.
Framing tips:
This piece works well with a narrow black, dark walnut, or antique gold frame. A warm ivory or off-white mat will enhance the subtle tones of the background wash and the colorful figure. Perfect as part of a themed Dickens wall display.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Artist: Joseph Clayton Clarke ("Kyd")
Publisher: Raphael Tuck & Sons, London, Paris & New York
Date: Circa 1889
Sheet size: approximately 36.5 x 26.5 cm
Image size: approximately 27 x 18 cm
