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. Some faint foxing in the margins, with the image area clean and colors strong. No tears or repairs. A well-preserved example.
Quilp from Old Curiosity Shop – Kyd Character Print after Dickens, ca. 1889
This original chromolithograph shows the sinister figure of Daniel Quilp, the grotesque villain from Charles Dickens’s novel *The Old Curiosity Shop*, first published in 1840–41. Dwarfish in stature and malevolent in nature, Quilp is portrayed here with a twisted grin, holding a smoking pan in one hand and pointing with the other. His slouched posture, disheveled coat, and exaggerated features capture the cruel energy and eccentricity that define him in the novel.
QUILP
" There's no such thing to be had here, " cried the dwarf. "Water for lawyers! Melted lead and brimstone, you mean, nice hot blistering pitch and tar - that's the thing for them." (Old curiosity shop - Chapt 1xii )
The illustration is by Joseph Clayton Clarke, known by the pseudonym “Kyd,” an English artist (1856–1937) known for his colorful and expressive portrayals of Dickensian characters. This image is part of the series “The Characters of Charles Dickens,” published by Raphael Tuck & Sons in the late 19th century. The prints were based on Kyd’s original watercolors and reproduced in rich color using high-quality chromolithography. They were printed at the Fine Art Works in London and distributed internationally through Tuck’s offices in London, Paris, and New York.
Quilp’s dramatic pose, menacing look, and smoky surroundings make this one of the most theatrical and visually striking illustrations in the series. Kyd’s keen eye for caricature and Dickens’s flair for creating memorable villains come together in this lively and collectible work of Victorian book illustration.
These character prints were sold both individually and in complete sets and continue to be highly desirable among collectors of Dickens, illustration art, and Victorian ephemera.
Condition report:
Chromolithograph on cream paper. Some faint foxing in the margins, with the image area clean and colors strong. No tears or repairs. A well-preserved example.
Framing tips:
Best suited to a dark wood, black, or antique-style frame with a soft white or ivory mat. This piece displays beautifully on its own or as part of a set with other Kyd illustrations from the series.
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
