James Ward (British, 1769-1859) The Rocking Horse, February 5th 1793, London, T. Simpson,...
James Ward (British, 1769-1859) The Rocking Horse, February 5th 1793, London, T. Simpson, hand-coloured mezzotint engraved by Ward after his own design, image 435 x 550mm. Two well-dressed children playing in the walled garden of a large house are the envy of three poor children peering through a spiked iron gate. A toy horse and carriage lower right. No visible tears or significant faults; unexamined out of early 20th century Parker Gallery frame. In the Ward album 6 in the British Museum is a note in the artist's hand: "'Rustic Felicity' and the 'Rocking Horse', the first pair of plates I engraved after leaving the apprenticeship with my brother. The first pair of subjects I painted for the purpose of engraving, and, as nearly as I can recollect, the sixth attempt at painting, in which I had made my first effort about six months before I left." (see BM 1979,U.1167) [together with:] George Morland (British, 1762/3-1804) The Thatcher, 1806, London, James Linnell, mezzotint engraved by William Ward, the full sheet visible under glass, 595 x 790mm. 'G. Morland 1795' etched on white horse's saddlebag. Some marginal soiling and staining, unexamined out of c.1900 hogarth frame, J & W Vokins label to backboard