Fashion & Costume · 19th century
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
This illustration is a fine example from Vanity Fair, dated April 24, 1880. It depicts a gentleman named "Henry," dressed in a fencer's outfit, complete with a fencing foil in his hand. The Men of the Day No.224 was a Caricature of Lt-Col Henry Stracy.
The title "Henry" and the distinctive fencing attire suggest that this caricature of Lt-Col Henry Stracy may suggest he has been a notable figure in the sport or known for his fencing skills during that time.
The caricature, again by 'Ape' (Carlo Pellegrini), maintains the artist's signature style—vivid portrayal with exaggerated facial features and a distinct posture that captures the subject's character and social standing. The depiction in a fencing pose emphasizes the subject's athleticism and perhaps a refined, gentlemanly aspect of his personality, aligning with the Victorian era's values of honor and skill in sport.
This print would appeal to collectors interested in historical sports illustrations, fencing, and the unique artistic style of Vanity Fair's caricatures from the late 19th century.
The artwork was created by artist 'Ape' – pseudonym of Carlo Pellegrini, who was renowned for his satirical depictions in Vanity Fair. Pellegrini's style often exaggerated the physical characteristics of his subjects to capture their essence humorously and pointedly.
The illustration in Vanity Fair was created using lithography, a popular printing technique in the 19th century. Lithography involves drawing an image with a grease-based medium on a limestone plate, then treating the surface with a chemical that ensures the ink only adheres to the drawn areas. This plate is then used to print the image on paper. The technique allows for high-quality, detailed prints that capture subtle gradations of tone and sharp contrasts, ideal for vividly portraying the unique caricatures for which Vanity Fair was known.
Vanity Fair prints gained popularity due to several factors:
1. Celebrity and Notoriety: The magazine featured prominent figures from various fields, including politics, royalty, arts, and sports. This wide range appealed to a broad audience interested in different aspects of society and celebrity.
2. Artistic Quality: The prints were known for their high artistic quality and the distinctive styles of the contributing artists, such as 'Ape' (Carlo Pellegrini), who had a keen eye for detail and a wry sense of humor that shone through in his caricatures.
3. Humor and Satire: The caricatures often included humorous and satirical interpretations of the subjects’ personalities and careers, making them not only visually engaging but also entertaining.
4. Collectibility and Decoration: These prints were collectible items even at the time of their publication. They were often framed and displayed, serving as conversation pieces due to their striking and often amusing portrayals of well-known personalities.
5. Social Commentary: By exaggerating features and mannerisms, the caricatures provided insightful, though playful, commentary on the public figures of the day, resonating with the Victorian society’s appetite for social and political satire.
The combination of high artistic standards, humor, and social critique in a format accessible to the Victorian middle class made Vanity Fair lithographs highly popular and sought after as both collectibles and decor.
