STEEL ENGRAVING - “THE WEIGHING HOUSE” from the original by William Hogarth, engraved by Sullivan, published in the mid 1800’s.  This engraving is in very good condition. The actual engraving measures 5 3/8” x 6 3/4”, and is matted to 11" x 14" for easy framing.  The following is a description from “The Complete Works of William Hogarth”.   I will include a copy of this with the engraving.

This print was designed by Hogarth, and engraved by Sullivan, to illustrate a humorous pamphlet, which was published early in 1763, by the Rev. Mr. Clubbe, rector of Whatfield, and Vicar of Debenham, under the title represented in the act of endeavouring to reduce the graceful attitude of Antinous to modern stiffness.  It was likewise meant for the celebrated Desnoyer, dancing in a grand ballet.

The caption under the engraving relates to the figures in a counterclockwise direction, starting with the figure at the bottom.

A.     Absolute Gravity

B.     Conatus against Absolute Gravity

C.     Practical Gravity

D.     Comparative Gravity

E.      Horizontal or good sense

F.      Wit

G.     Comparative Levity or Coxcomb

H.     Practical Levity or Pert Fool

I.        Absolute Levity or Stark Fool

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, etchings, engravings, and lithographs are printing processes, which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates.  Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence.  This does not, however, mean that they are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.  Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, lithographs, ect., are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one.  Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated in the auction, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING - First Class Mail $3.95