Other Prints · 19th century
€ 160
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Original chromolithograph, circa 1889. Some light age spotting around the margins but image area clean and bright. Paper is stable and without tears or creases.
Mr Micawber from David Copperfield – Original Dickens Character Lithograph by Kyd, c.1889
This charming lithograph depicts Mr Wilkins Micawber, one of the most beloved and eccentric characters from Charles Dickens’ *David Copperfield* (first published in 1849–50). Illustrated by the British caricaturist Joseph Clayton Clarke—better known by his pseudonym “Kyd”—this work belongs to a renowned series of character portraits issued by Raphael Tuck & Sons during the late Victorian era.
Mr Micawber is instantly recognizable in this caricature, exuding the flamboyant optimism and theatrical poise for which he is remembered. He stands proudly, gesturing with a cane and dressed in his classic frock coat, high collar, and top hat—his expression beaming with his trademark delusional confidence. The illustration perfectly captures the essence of Micawber’s enduring motto: “Something will turn up!”
Kyd’s use of chromolithography here brings exceptional color saturation and detail, particularly in the contrast between the warm brown tones of the coat and the creamy whites of the ruffled collar and breeches. The stylized shading gives the figure a lifelike, three-dimensional appearance, while the minimalist background—a softly blended wash of earth tones—keeps attention focused on the character.
As one of the most iconic Dickensian types—the genial but perennially bankrupt gentleman—Mr Micawber represents a humorous yet poignant critique of 19th-century financial precarity. His literary legacy lives on in both name and spirit, with “Micawberism” now a term for misplaced economic optimism.
This print is a valuable piece for collectors of Dickens memorabilia, 19th-century illustration, or those drawn to classic British literary figures.
Condition report:
Original chromolithograph, circa 1889. Some light age spotting around the margins but image area clean and bright. Paper is stable and without tears or creases.
Framing tips:
A dark mahogany or black frame would emphasize the figure's theatricality, especially with a warm cream or parchment-colored mat. A thin maroon fillet could echo the red accents in the print and add subtle depth.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Artist: Joseph Clayton Clarke (“Kyd”)
Publisher: Raphael Tuck & Sons, London, Paris & New York
Date: Circa 1889
Sheet size: approx. 36.5 x 26.5 cm
Image size: approx. 27 x 18 cm
