ALKEN, Henry Thomas (1785-1851)
A Steeple Chase or A Cross Country Match. London: S. and J. Fuller, 1827 [but watermarked 1828].
Early issue of this striking, large-format series with finely coloured plates. The upward and downward movement of the jumping horses is well conveyed; there are almost no unfortunate accidents to distract us from interest in the outcome of the race; and the determination of the jockey in white to keep the lead is always manifest. Spitz comments: ‘A difficult series to find uniform in quality, size and condition.’ In this set the fourth plate is watermarked J. Whatman 1828. Bobins IV, 1377; Dixon 86; Mellon/Snelgrove 67; Tooley 55.
Oblong folio (285 x 385mm). 6 etchings coloured by a contemporary hand (lacks the letterpress title, plate 3 repaired at inner corner). Mid 20th-century grey buckram, red morocco gilt label on front cover, slipcase. Provenance: Joel Spitz (bookplate; purchased from Spencer, London, 15 January 1937, sold in these rooms 15 May 2015, lot 147).
ALKEN, Henry Thomas (1785-1851)
A Steeple Chase or A Cross Country Match. London: S. and J. Fuller, 1827 [but watermarked 1828].
Early issue of this striking, large-format series with finely coloured plates. The upward and downward movement of the jumping horses is well conveyed; there are almost no unfortunate accidents to distract us from interest in the outcome of the race; and the determination of the jockey in white to keep the lead is always manifest. Spitz comments: ‘A difficult series to find uniform in quality, size and condition.’ In this set the fourth plate is watermarked J. Whatman 1828. Bobins IV, 1377; Dixon 86; Mellon/Snelgrove 67; Tooley 55.
Oblong folio (285 x 385mm). 6 etchings coloured by a contemporary hand (lacks the letterpress title, plate 3 repaired at inner corner). Mid 20th-century grey buckram, red morocco gilt label on front cover, slipcase. Provenance: Joel Spitz (bookplate; purchased from Spencer, London, 15 January 1937, sold in these rooms 15 May 2015, lot 147).
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