An amusing mid 19th century John Leech etching / engraving which appeared in Robert Smith Surtee’s Mr Sponge’s Sporting Tour (London: Bradbury, Evans & co, 1853).
Robert Smith Surtees (1805-1864) was an English editor, novelist and sporting writer, widely known as R. S. Surtees. He is most renowned for his creation of comic characters, most notably, Jorrocks, an uncouth but good natured sporting cockney grocer, Mr. Romford, a clever, impudent social climber and ‘Soapy Sponge’, a somewhat cunning, opportunistic and morally ambiguous individual. His novels are still considered engrossing and vigorous and are acknowledged for their astute social observations. Amongst his contemporary admirers was the writer, William Makepiece Thackery and the artist, William Morris.
John Leech (1817-1864) was a prominent British caricaturist and illustrator. He is most well known for his work for ‘Punch’, a humorous magazine for a broad middle-class audience, combining verbal and graphic political satire with light social comedy. He is also famed for his illustrations for Charles Dickens’s 1843 Novella, ‘A Christmas Carol’. He was furthermore a pioneer in comics, creating the character, ‘Mr Briggs’. Amongst his later notable illustrations were sporting scenes for the works of R. S. Surtees including ‘Handley Cross’ (1843), ‘Mr. Sponge’s Sporting Tour (1853) and ‘Mr. Facey’s Romford Hounds’ (1865), the latter being published posthumously.
- This is an original steel engraving with original hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 15.8cms by 12cms (including title).
- The engraving is in very good condition with decent margins. Light age toning. Click on image for a better view.
- The item comes displayed in a ready to frame acid free mount.
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- Guaranteed to be over 170 years old.
