$135.00
Beautifully framed hand-colored art gravure after an 18th century painting by William Hamilton, RA, engraved by Francesco Bartolozzi, RA (history below). The original, entitled “January,” was part of a 12-piece “Months of the Year” collection of paintings by Hamilton done in the late 1700s. “January” depicts a scene on a frozen pond with ice skaters and spectators, including a dog. W. N. Gardiner also created an engraving of this painting accompanied by a “poetic description,” a poem making reference to the frozen pond, skaters–both skilled and clumsy–and “the bright eyes of the fair spectators more than compensating for the absence of the sun.” The poem was published in London in 1794 as part of a collection of “Poetic Descriptions of Choice and Valuable Prints.” The print offered here was framed by Sungott Art Studios, NY, probably in the mid-1900s and likely sold through a department or furniture store or gift outlet–the date of the actual print is unknown. The label indicates the “hand-colored art gravure has been enriched by a skilled artist with delicate tints and colorings to help in the interpretations of the subject portrayed.” The print is framed under glass in a beautiful wooden frame which features a gilded wooden “mat” with a beaded-edge oval opening over the glass, creating an 18th-century-inspired look. Overall measurements are 19-5/8″ x 17-5/8″. Lovely colors and excellent preowned vintage condition. The dust cover is new.
1 in stock
HISTORY (from online sources): William Hamilton, R.A. (1751 – 1801) was an English painter who traveled and worked in Italy for several years.  He trained first as an architectural draftsman, but soon moved to theatrical portraits and scenes from plays.  Hamilton became an associate member of the Royal Academy from 1784, and was made a full member in 1789.
Francesco Bartolozzi, R.A. (1727 – 1815) was an Italian engraver (born in Florence), whose most productive period was spent in London.  He is noted for popularizing the “crayon” method of engraving. He lived in London for nearly forty years and produced an enormous number of engravings. He also drew sketches of his own in red chalk. Soon after arriving in London, he was appointed ‘Engraver to the King’ (George III) with an annual salary of £300. He was elected a founding member of the Royal Academy. The new Academy’s bylaws specifically excluded engravers, but Bartolozzi was so well esteemed that he was brought in as an Academician in the category of Painter.  While Bartolozzi was not the original inventor of the crayon manner of engraving, he became a leading exponent of the “stipple” method and it became associated with him.  With that technique images are created by delicate dots rather than lines as in traditional etchings or engravings. Bartolozzi added distinction to his work by using red (sanguine), orange and brown inks rather than common black ink. In 1802, Bartolozzi accepted the post of director of the National Academy of Lisbon and moved there.  Despite his fame and prolific output, debts forced him to sell off most of his prints and possessions.  He died in his studio in 1815 at the age of 88 and was buried in the common grave of a Lisbon church.
SHIPPING: $20 flat rate shipping only for street addresses within contiguous United States; we cannot deliver to post office boxes. For shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and elsewhere, please contact us with your location for a custom shipping quote.
A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.” As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability. Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift. All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof.Â
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I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!
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danicatheracecardriver –
Wonderful experience, meticulous packaging!
I purchased two items from this shop. They arrived surprisingly quickly, and it was evident that extreme care was taken to ensure they arrived safely. I greatly appreciate the attention and extra care when packaging up the items. How sad it would be to purchase an antique that has survived multiple generations, only to be destroyed by USPS! Thank you so much for a wonderful shopping experience!