William Hogarth the Beggar's Opera Act III Engraving 1790

Name: William Hogarth the Beggar's Opera Act III Engraving 1790
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA765874
Availability: SoldOut

18th century

Sold by Hand of Glory

Description

After William Hogarth, The Beggar's Opera Act III, engraved by William Blake, published by John & Josiah Boydell, 1790. Within a 19th century ebonised frame.

Hogarth’s painting depicts a performance of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera first performed at Lincoln’s Inn Fields in 1728. The scene is Newgate gaol, Polly Peachum, played by Lavinia Fenton, kneels on the floor to the left of the design, while Lucy played by Mrs Egleton also kneels, pleading for the life of Macheath, played by Thomas Walker who stands centre stage, with arms folded, wearing manacles.

The original oil painting was purchased by the Tate Gallery, London in 1909.

This Boydell published edition of the engraving is in poor condition. It is somewhat faded and has old restoration on the bottom right which is now very visible due to the fading of the paper.

52.5cm x 63.5cm including frame.

This engraving was previously the property of Sir Horace James Seymour GCMG CVO (26 February 1885 – 10 September 1978) was a British diplomat, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Iran from 1936 - 1939 and China from 1942 - 1946. He lived at Bratton House of Westbury, and was the great-grandson of Robert Ellice and Eliza Courtney, the illegitimate daughter of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.

This engraving previously hung at Bratton House, Westbury, Wiltshire and has until recently remained in the Seymour family by descent.

Physical Dimensions

Height

52.5cm (20.67")

Width

63.5cm (25.00")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Hand of Glory has dated this piece to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA765874

Description

After William Hogarth, The Beggar's Opera Act III, engraved by William Blake, published by John & Josiah Boydell, 1790. Within a 19th century ebonised frame.

“

Hogarth’s painting depicts a performance of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera first performed at Lincoln’s Inn Fields in 1728.

Hand of Glory

The scene is Newgate gaol, Polly Peachum, played by Lavinia Fenton, kneels on the floor to the left of the design, while Lucy played by Mrs Egleton also kneels, pleading for the life of Macheath, played by Thomas Walker who stands centre stage, with arms folded, wearing manacles.

fig 1. William Hogarth The Beggar's Opera Act III engraving 1790 — fig 1. William Hogarth the Beggar's Opera Act III Engraving 1790

The original oil painting was purchased by the Tate Gallery, London in 1909.

This Boydell published edition of the engraving is in poor condition. It is somewhat faded and has old restoration on the bottom right which is now very visible due to the fading of the paper.

fig 2. William Hogarth The Beggar's Opera Act III engraving 1790 — fig 2. William Hogarth the Beggar's Opera Act III Engraving 1790

52.5cm x 63.5cm including frame.

This engraving was previously the property of Sir Horace James Seymour GCMG CVO (26 February 1885 – 10 September 1978) was a British diplomat, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Iran from 1936 - 1939 and China from 1942 - 1946. He lived at Bratton House of Westbury, and was the great-grandson of Robert Ellice and Eliza Courtney, the illegitimate daughter of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire.

This engraving previously hung at Bratton House, Westbury, Wiltshire and has until recently remained in the Seymour family by descent.