Sampson Brass from Old Curiosity Shop – Kyd Character Print after Dickens, 1889

About this sheet

Sampson Brass from Old Curiosity Shop – Kyd Character Print after Dickens, ca. 1889

This original chromolithograph shows Sampson Brass, the sly and unscrupulous attorney from Charles Dickens’s novel 'The Old Curiosity Shop', first published in 1840–41. Brass is portrayed here in his long black coat and top hat, holding a crooked umbrella with a scheming grin. His thin frame, exaggerated features, and gloved hands convey his devious and calculating personality—true to Dickens’s depiction of him as a “rascally lawyer.”

The illustration is by Joseph Clayton Clarke, known by the pseudonym “Kyd,” an English artist (1856–1937) famed for his character illustrations drawn from the novels of Charles Dickens. This image is part of the late 19th-century series “The Characters of Charles Dickens,” published by Raphael Tuck & Sons and printed at the Fine Art Works in London. Based on Kyd’s original watercolor drawings, these prints were sold individually or in portfolios and distributed internationally through Raphael Tuck’s offices in London, Paris, and New York.

Kyd’s portrayal of Sampson Brass is sharp and theatrical, emphasizing his untrustworthy nature through posture and expression. As with all illustrations in the series, the character’s name and book title are printed discreetly in the margin.

This print is one of the most visually distinctive in the set, with Brass’s awkward, angular stance and his oversized umbrella enhancing the caricature’s effect. It is a vivid and collectible tribute to Dickens’s mastery of satire and character.

Condition report:
Chromolithograph on cream paper. Light foxing in the outer margins, with no significant marks in the image area. Colors are well preserved. No tears or repairs. The sheet is in very good condition overall.

Framing tips:
This print pairs well with a black, walnut, or antique gilt frame. Use a soft cream or ivory mat to complement the tone of the paper and bring out the character’s detail. Ideal for display with other Kyd character prints in a themed grouping.

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