The Lady’s Magazine 1784 Frontispiece: Allegorical Temple of Learning and Virtue
€ 250
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1784
Sheet size
24 × 17 cm (9.4 × 6.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13806-158
Condition
The impression is strong with crisp engraving lines and good contrast. The sheet exhibits light even toning throughout, consistent with age. A few minor edge nicks are present along the right margin.
About this sheet
The Lady’s Magazine 1784 Frontispiece: Allegorical Temple of Learning and Virtue This finely engraved frontispiece features three classical draped figures approaching an altar of burning flame beneath the gaze of a heroic bust in a temple setting — an allegory of Enlightenment, homage to wisdom and art, rendered for the annual bound volume of The Lady’s Magazine; or, Entertaining Companion for the Fair Sex, Volume XV (1784), published in London by George Robinson on January 31, 1784.
The image exemplifies the neoclassical engraving style typical of late eighteenth-century periodical frontispieces intended to convey moral elevation and feminine edification. The magazine, first issued in 1770, enjoyed decades of success as a women-readers’ monthly, and its front matter engraved plates remain desirable by both print-and-periodical collectors.
Condition Report: The impression is strong with crisp engraving lines and good contrast. The sheet exhibits light even toning throughout, consistent with age. A few minor edge nicks are present along the right margin, and very faint handling marks at the lower left corner. There are no tears, patching or loss to the image area. Slight dust soiling confined to the blank margin. The overall state is very good for its period.
Framing Tips: To highlight the classical and refined character of the engraving, we recommend a slim black wood frame with an off-white (ivory) mat. Align the plate so that the upper margin is fully visible to preserve the imprint line “Publish’d by G. Robinson Jan.y 31. 1784.” The mat width should be at least 3–4 cm to allow breathing space around the image. For a more formal presentation, a thin gilt fillet between mat and frame adds a touch of period-appropriate elegance.
Technique: Engraving Maker: Published by George Robinson, London, January 31, 1784
