Richard Cobden, Free Trade Reformer, Steel Engraving by Holl, circa 1870
€ 145
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
circa 1870
Mapmaker / artist
W. and D. Downey (photographers), Holl (engraver)
Publisher
William Mackenzie, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London
Technique
Steel engraving
Coloring
Uncolored
Sheet size
27 × 18 cm (10.6 × 7.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14343-17
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
Good condition for its age. A few small spots to the upper margin, clear of the image. Please review the images for further condition details.
About this sheet
This original steel engraving is a portrait of Richard Cobden, the name lettered in open capitals beneath the image. It was engraved by Holl from a photograph by W. and D. Downey of Newcastle upon Tyne and published by William Mackenzie of Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.
Cobden is shown seated, three quarter length, turned slightly to the left and looking out at the viewer. His gray hair falls in loose waves and he wears long side whiskers, a broad black neckcloth tied in a bow, a double breasted waistcoat and a dark frock coat. His right arm rests on the carved back of a chair and his left hand lies on his knee. The engraver has built up the textures of the cloth, the patterned waistcoat and the soft modeling of the face in fine line against a dark ground.
The credit line beneath the image reads "Engraved by Holl (by Permission) from a Photograph by W. & D. Downey, Newcastle on Tyne." The Holl family were among the leading portrait engravers of Victorian London, and the Downey brothers were celebrated photographers of the period. The imprint at the foot of the sheet reads "William Mackenzie, Glasgow, Edinburgh & London." Mackenzie was one of the most active Victorian subscription publishers, issuing biographical, historical and reference works in parts with full page engraved portraits.
Richard Cobden (1804 to 1865) was a Manchester manufacturer who became the leading voice of the Anti-Corn Law League, whose campaign brought the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. As a Member of Parliament he argued for free trade and peace between nations, and in 1860 he negotiated the commercial treaty with France that bears his name. Engraved portraits of him remained in demand long after his death in 1865.
The impression is strong and clean on a sheet with generous margins. It would frame handsomely in a narrow dark molding, alone or with portraits of other Victorian statesmen.
This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.
