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"Ancient lineage" Vanity Fair caricature. Marquis of Bath lithograph c1874.

by Carlo Pellegrini (Ape)

Original Vanity Fair lithograph "Ancient lineage" from a watercolour caricature of The Marquis of Bath. Statesmen. No. CLXXV (175) on June 13 1874. The accompanying text states "The Thynnes have been a family rich enough to be called good for nigh upon four hundred years, and they are of the few whose titular nobility dates from the time of the Tudors... He is a very decent man, of whom good would be spoken even if he were a common person by those from whom his qualities might obtain notice..."

Vanity Fair was a weekly magazine of social comment, published in London from 1868 to 1914. With eight to ten pages each issue, Vanity Fair magazine's popularity was guaranteed with the inclusion of an amusing caricature, lithographed from a watercolour, parodying any newsworthy personage. Over the years of publication it became a mark of honour to be the 'victim' of one of the magazine's caricaturists. The publisher accompanied each with a witty text, written under his nickname of 'Jehu Junior' (after the biblical prophet who effected the downfall of his enemies). He considered the caricatures made grim faces more grim, grotesque figures more grotesque, and dull people duller by the genius of ‘Ape’" (Carlo Pellegrini, 1839-1889). It was the first time lithography had been used for caricatures. They were printed by the eminent lithographer, Vincent Brooks (1814-1885).

Page size 355 x 230 (14 x 9 inches). In fine condition. Indian ink number "25" at top right.

Stock Number: apVF175Price: $90.00

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