Victorian Clergyman Caricature – Vanity Fair Men of the Day, 1870
€ 330
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1870
Mapmaker / artist
Vanity Fair (after Ape), London, 1870
Technique
Chromolithograph
Sheet size
35.5 × 22.1 cm (14.0 × 8.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14156-1
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
Original condition with light age toning consistent with period.
About this sheet
Victorian Clergyman Caricature – Vanity Fair Men of the Day, 1870
This original chromolithograph was published in Vanity Fair on December 31, 1870, as part of the influential “Men of the Day” series. The portrait depicts a senior clergyman rendered with restrained satire, emphasizing gesture, posture, and character rather than exaggeration. This approach typifies Vanity Fair’s early success in combining social observation with refined visual humor.
Produced during the formative years of the magazine, the print reflects the period when Vanity Fair portraits were widely collected and displayed as individual works. The subtle coloring and calm composition make it a particularly elegant example of Victorian caricature art, appealing both to collectors and interior designers.
Condition: Good original condition with light age toning consistent with period.
Framing tips: A warm off-white or light ivory mat board works best, paired with a dark walnut or black-stained wooden frame. This combination reinforces the clerical theme and enhances the muted color palette.
