Complete Series: Six Old Cockfight Etchings, London 1830
€ 1 400
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1830
Sheet size
28 × 37 cm (11.0 × 14.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13627
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
Repaired: Restored areas at the top center edge of the 5th and 6th sheets. Occasional small tears and edge wear (primarily on the first sheet), somewhat dusty, slightly spotted and browned.
About this sheet
A complete series of six old aquatint etchings created by C. R. Stock after S. H. Alken, published around 1830 in London by W. C. Lee.
C.R. Stock, a British artist from the 19th century, was known for creating aquatint engravings. He produced a series depicting cockfights, likely after the works of Henry Alken, a renowned British artist known for his sporting and animal-themed illustrations. Alken's work often captured the essence of sports, hunting, and rural life, making him a prominent figure in 19th-century British art.
The series depicts the progression of a cockfight, a competitive event that, for the roosters involved, is hardly considered a sport or game.
Cockfighting in the 19th century was a prevalent form of entertainment, although it drew criticism due to its animal cruelty. These events involved trained roosters pitted against each other in a fight, often to the death. While it was a popular pastime in various cultures, it faced opposition from animal rights activists, resulting in eventual bans and regulations in many countries. Despite the controversy, it remained a part of some cultures' traditions and histories, reflecting the diverse views on animal welfare and entertainment.
