Architecture & Design
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. The condition of the print is good, with sharp details and no significant foxing. There is minor age toning along the edges, due to handling and age, but it does not detract from the engraving’s visual impact.
This evocative 18th-century engraving titled "Sir Walter Raleigh Beheaded in Old Palace Yard" illustrates the somber and historical execution of Sir Walter Raleigh, one of the most celebrated figures of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. The scene is framed by an ornate cartouche with Baroque decorative flourishes, giving it an air of importance and reverence.
The upper portion depicts Raleigh on the scaffold, surrounded by figures who include guards, onlookers, and clergymen. Raleigh, depicted with composure, stands at the center of attention, reflecting the dignified manner often attributed to him during his execution in 1618. The lower section portrays the gathered crowd, including mounted soldiers and citizens observing the grim event, underscoring its public and ceremonial nature.
The engraving skillfully captures the gravity of Raleigh’s fate, who was sentenced for treason during the reign of King James I. Known for his role as an explorer, soldier, and writer, Raleigh’s execution remains a significant moment in British history. The artist’s use of detail and perspective highlights the emotional weight of the scene, while the elaborate frame lends it the visual grandeur of a commemorative piece.
The condition of the print is very good, with sharp details, clean margins, and no significant foxing. There is minor age toning along the edges, consistent with its age, but it does not detract from the engraving’s visual impact. This historical print serves as a powerful depiction of Raleigh's final moments and is a compelling addition for collectors of historical or biographical engravings.
