"Master of the Horse" Vanity Fair caricature. The Earl of Bradford, c1874.

by Carlo Pellegrini (Ape)

Original Vanity Fair lithograph "Master of the Horse" from a watercolour caricature of The Earl of Bradford. Statesmen. No. CLXXXVIII (188) on October 24 1874. The accompanying text states "Fifty-five years of age, well cared-for and well-preserved, Lord Bradford is an excellent type of the ordinary English noble.

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 except for a foxing spot at the base. Indian ink number "43" at top right.