BAYNES, Thomas Mann (1794-1876)
Lot 34

BAYNES, Thomas Mann (1794-1876)

Adventures of a Fox by Moonlight. London: R. Ackermann, 1836.

Closed13 July 2023

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GBP 2,500–3,500

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BAYNES, Thomas Mann (1794-1876)
Adventures of a Fox by Moonlight. London: R. Ackermann, 1836.
Scarce and rarely seen at auction, a delightful series of plates and lithographed verses narrating the midnight adventures of a fox. Thomas Baynes, son of the drawing master and landscapist James Baynes, was a draughtsman and lithographer known for his romantic and pastoral styles that were popular in the 19th century. The present publication is a prime example of his work, the eerie shadow of the moon casting a soft light over the detailed depiction of the fox protagonist. Baynes I; Bobins III, 1177.

Oblong folio, (280 x 370mm). Printed on wove paper, list of publications at the back, followed by title, with six lithographic plates, coloured by a contemporary hand and heightened with gum arabic, five by Baynes and one, ‘The Fox’s Arrival at the Squire’s Gate’, after Baynes, printed by C. Hullmandel (minor scattered spotting more heavily affecting first few leaves, large crease through title page). Early 20th-century brown three-quarter calf, preserving original letterpress wrappers bound at end, with gilt lettering and decoration to covers and spine, the spine divided into three compartments by single fillets, the second lettered, the others with flower spray tools (extremities slightly rubbed, tears and creases to the wrappers, joints splitting and fragile). Provenance: Snelgrove, Mellon Collection— John Croft Deverell (bookplate).