Herb Market--In the Gallery at Houghton

Item Details

Herb Market--In the Gallery at Houghton, published by John Boydell, Engraver in Cheapside, London. 

Mezzotint engraving, hand colored, plate mark 16 1/4 x 22 1/2 inches on sheet 19 1/4 x 26 1/2 inches. Several edge tears with only one just entering platemark at lower center (outside of image), light damp stain at top left corner (at least 3/4 inch from image), creasing and foxing in the margins, overall light spotting largely noticeable in the sky at left, bright coloration. Good condition.

An exceptional image, both in the original composition and the quality of the technique with which it has been translated to print. There is a very rich gesso-like quality to the hand coloring, which is quite gorgeous in and of itself. Print depicts an 18th century vegetable market (although the print is titled "Herb Market") with vendor and customer discussing the fresh goods while a young urchin is pick-pocketing the customer. Nicely rendered with wonderful detail and vibrant colors. 

Engraver: Richard Earlom, Printer: Snyders and Long John Pinxerunt and Jospeh Farmington.