Set of 3 Vanity Fair Spy Caricatures – Named Victorian Figures, 1883
€ 750
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1883
Mapmaker / artist
Leslie Ward (“Spy”), printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, London, 1883
Technique
Chromolithograph
Sheet size
38 × 26 cm (15.0 × 10.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14157-44, -45, -46
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Very good overall with light age toning and minor foxing. Some light edge wear typical for the period. Colors well preserved.
About this sheet
Set of 3 Vanity Fair Spy Caricatures – Named Victorian Figures 1883 A refined set of three original Vanity Fair chromolithographs, all published in December 1883 and drawn by Leslie Ward (“Spy”). This group presents three identifiable figures from Victorian Britain, representing law, medicine, and politics within the upper circles of society.
The set includes: “Criminal Investigation” – Sir Howard Vincent, Director of Criminal Investigations and key figure in the development of modern policing “Lord Beaconsfield’s Physician” – Sir William Jenner, renowned physician and personal doctor to Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (Lord Beaconsfield) “Finsbury” – Samuel Morley, influential Liberal politician, philanthropist, and MP for Finsbury
Together, these portraits reflect the professional elite of Victorian Britain: law enforcement reform, medical authority, and parliamentary leadership. Ward captures each figure with subtle humor and precision, emphasizing характер, status, and personality through posture and dress.
Printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son in London, the set offers both decorative unity and strong historical relevance, ideal for collectors and interior display.
Special note: These are original 19th century chromolithographs, not reproductions. The chromolithographs are sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Very good overall with light age toning and minor foxing. Some light edge wear typical for the period. Colors well preserved.
Framing tips: Best presented in matching dark frames with ivory mats. Ideal as a tight group of three for a balanced wall display.
