Items Similar to Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Statesman and Sovereign, London 1870
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 9
Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Statesman and Sovereign, London 1870
$586.49per set
£435.78per set
€490per set
CA$803.37per set
A$876.44per set
CHF 464.84per set
MX$10,559.08per set
NOK 5,899.77per set
SEK 5,401.40per set
DKK 3,732.76per set
About the Item
Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Statesman and Sovereign, London 1870
This visually striking set of three original Vanity Fair chromolithographs dates from April 1870 and forms a balanced and decorative horizontal suite. Drawn by Carlo Pellegrini, known by his signature “Ape,” these portraits come from the celebrated “Statesmen” and “Sovereigns” series, which defined Victorian political and imperial caricature.
The left-hand portrait (April 9, 1870, Statesmen No. 46) depicts a British statesman captioned “An exceptional Irishman.” Shown leaning forward with papers in hand, the figure is presented as alert, articulate, and engaged, reflecting contemporary perceptions of Irish political influence within British parliamentary life.
The central portrait (April 16, 1870, Sovereigns No. 8) represents an Indian ruler in ceremonial dress, captioned “A living monument of English injustice.” Dressed in richly colored robes and turban and holding a sword, the figure embodies the imperial themes and moral commentary typical of Vanity Fair’s Sovereigns series. The portrait stands out for its vivid coloring and strong vertical presence, providing a visual anchor to the set.
The right-hand portrait (April 23, 1870, Statesmen No. 47) shows a senior British statesman captioned “A military difficulty.” Seated and heavyset, with top hat and cane, the figure conveys authority and endurance, rendered with Pellegrini’s characteristic combination of satire and restraint.
All three figures are shown full-length against clean, uncluttered backgrounds, creating a harmonious rhythm when displayed together. The muted yet warm palette of creams, greys, blacks, and rich accents makes the set highly adaptable for interiors. Offered together as a matched suite, the group works especially well in a study, library, hallway, or above a sideboard, delivering historical character with strong decorative appeal.
Printed in London in 1870, these works combine period authenticity with timeless graphic clarity. The set is offered as a group, ideal as a ready-made wall installation.
Condition report:
Overall very good condition. Light age-related toning and minor surface wear consistent with late 19th-century chromolithographs. Clean impressions with good margins.
Framing tips:
Display as a horizontal trio in matching frames. Soft ivory or light taupe mats with simple black, dark brown, or antique gilt frames enhance the figures and suit both classic and contemporary interiors.
Technique: Chromolithography
Maker: Carlo Pellegrini (“Ape”), published by Vanity Fair, London
Date: 1870
- Dimensions:Height: 13.98 in (35.5 cm)Width: 8.71 in (22.1 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1870
- Condition:Overall very good condition. Light age-related toning and minor surface wear consistent with late 19th-century chromolithographs. Clean impressions with good margins.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14156-40, -41, -421stDibs: LU3054348123182
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,819 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllSet of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Victorian Gentlemen, London 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Victorian Statesmen, London 1870
This elegant set of three original Vanity Fair chromolithographs dates from 1870 and presents a visually cohere...
Category
Antique 1870s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Statesmen and Man of the Day, London 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Statesmen and Man of the Day, London 1870
Description:
This original set of three hand-colored Vanity Fair chromolithographs dates from e...
Category
Antique 1870s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Men of the Day and Sovereign, 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Men of the Day and Sovereign, 1870
Description:
This dynamic set of three original Vanity Fair chromolithographs dates from January 1870 ...
Category
Antique 1870s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Three Vanity Fair Statesmen – British Political Figures, London 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three Vanity Fair Statesmen – British Political Figures, London 1870
Description:
This striking set of three original Vanity Fair chromolithographs dates from March 1870 and ...
Category
Antique 1870s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Three Vanity Fair Chromolithographs, Victorian, 1870, Signed
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three Vanity Fair Statesmen Portraits – Victorian London, 1870
Description:
This refined set of three original Vanity Fair chromolithographs dates from February 1870 and form...
Category
Antique 1870s British Prints
Materials
Paper
Set of Three Vanity Fair Chromolithographs, Judges, Sovereign, 1870
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: Set of Three Vanity Fair Portraits – Judges, Sovereign and Man of the Day, 1870
Description:
This striking set of three original Vanity Fair chromolithographs dates from late...
Category
Antique 1870s British Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Collection of 3 Vanity Fair Political “Spy”Prints A good collection
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Collection of 3 Vanity Fair Political “Spy”Prints
A good collection of coloured prints dating from 1896, 1897 and 1904, mounted and glazed in black frames
The prints are in good co...
Category
Antique 19th Century Victorian Paintings
Materials
Paper
Collection of 6 Vanity Fair Political “Spy”Prints Statesmen, a good collection
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
Collection of 6 Vanity Fair Political “Spy”Prints
Statesmen, a good collection of coloured prints dating from around 1876, mounted and glazed in black frames, some have printed desc...
Category
Antique 1870s Victorian Paintings
Materials
Paper
English Victorian Prints of 4 English Noble Attires
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian print featuring four styles of English noble attires from historical periods in a carved silver/gilt frame with a mat (Similar items: NWL6149A-F)
Good condition co...
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Prints
English Victorian Print of 4 Italian Noble Attires
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian prints featuring four styles of Italian noble attires from historical periods in a carved silver/gilt frame with a mat (Similar items: NWL6149A-F)
Good condition c...
Category
Antique 19th Century Italian Victorian Prints
English Victorian Print of 4 Scottish Noble Attires
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian prints featuring four styles of Scottish noble attires from historical periods in a carved silver/gilt frame with a mat (Similar items: NWL6149A-F)
Good condition...
Category
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Prints
English Victorian Print of 4 French Noble Attires
Located in Queens, NY
English Victorian prints featuring four styles of French noble attires from historical periods in a carved silver/gilt frame with a mat (Similar items: NWL6149A-F)
Good condition co...
Category













