"a noble writer" Vanity Fair caricature by Ape: Philip-Henry Stanhope, Earl Stanhope. c1874.

by Carlo Pellegrini (Ape)

Original Vanity Fair lithograph "a noble writer" from a watercolour caricature of Philip-Henry Stanhope, Earl Stanhope. Statesmen. No. CLXXII (172) on May 23 1874. The accompanying text states that "...He married at the proper time and in the proper manner the second daughter of a Baronet, or superior person of the sixth class; and all people of regular behaviour approved this well-assorted union so sincerely that one of them made Philip-Henry Secretary to the Board of Control, which then helped to confuse the affairs of India, and declared that he was a distinguished character because he knew nothing particular about the East, and was heir to a Peerage... It has created him a Doctor of Laws, though he is not a lawyer; a doctor of Divinity though he is not a divine; a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means nothing; and it has conferred immortal glory on the University of Oxford and Cambridge, as well as on the men of learning who raised him to these somewhat diminutive heights of renown... there is nothing in Lord Stanhope's histories. It is for that reason his lordship enjoys more hearty respect and consideration from the aristocracy than any man of letters in Great Britain."

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 good condition except for the usual Indian ink notation: this one of "20" at top right.