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Society, Set of Six, 1883
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Victorian Vanity Fair Caricatures, War, Law
Society, Set of Six, 1883
$1,716.60per set
£1,282.43per set
€1,450per set
CA$2,390.28per set
A$2,568.22per set
CHF 1,377.85per set
MX$30,256.65per set
About the Item
Victorian Vanity Fair Caricatures, War, Law
Society, Set of Six, 1883
This striking set of six original Vanity Fair chromolithographs from 1883 brings together an exceptional cross-section of late Victorian public life, spanning imperial conflict, military tradition, law, politics, sport, and maritime power. Published at a moment of heightened British global influence, these full-length caricatures exemplify Vanity Fair’s distinctive ability to distil reputation and public character into elegant, lightly satirical portraits that are both visually refined and historically resonant.
The prints are offered unframed, enabling custom framing to personal or interior preferences.
The group includes Ahmed Arabi, depicted as “Ahmed Arabi the Egyptian,” the army officer and nationalist leader whose role in the Urabi Revolt made him an international symbol of resistance to European domination in Egypt. Legal brilliance is represented by Mr Charles Russell QC MP, shown as “A Splendid Advocate,” one of the most formidable barristers of his generation and later Lord Chief Justice of England. Aristocratic sporting life appears through Lord Gardner, associated with fox hunting, a defining ritual of the Victorian landed elite and country-house culture.
Military heritage is further embodied by General the Earl of Albemarle, portrayed under the caption “Waterloo,” evoking Britain’s Napoleonic legacy and the enduring prestige of its senior military families. Political society is represented by The Hon. Charles Spencer Bateman-Hanbury-Kincaid-Lennox MP, known familiarly as “Charlie,” whose aristocratic lineage and parliamentary career made him a recognisable figure in late Victorian society. Completing the set is Captain William George Middleton, captioned “Bay,” reflecting the professional naval culture that underpinned Britain’s maritime empire.
Visually, the six prints are unified by format, palette, and date. Pale grounds, controlled colouring, and confident, dignified poses lend the ensemble a calm, authoritative presence that translates exceptionally well to refined interiors. Displayed together, the set conveys a distinctly Victorian worldview in which imperial reach, legal authority, military tradition, and social hierarchy were closely intertwined.
Condition:
Overall very good original condition. Light, even age toning throughout, with occasional small scattered spots or faint handling marks consistent with 19th-century paper. The chromolithographed images remain crisp and unfaded, with no major tears, losses, or restorations observed. Margins are ample and suitable for framing.
Framing tips:
For a cohesive and elevated presentation, frame all six prints uniformly in dark walnut, ebonised wood, or antique-style gilt frames with generous ivory or warm off-white mounts. Museum or UV-protective glass is recommended. The set works particularly well arranged in a balanced two-by-three configuration or as a linear display in a library or study.
Keywords:
Vanity Fair, Victorian caricature, antique prints, British Empire, military history, legal history, Victorian politics, fox hunting, naval history, chromolithograph, 19th century art, set of six, library decor, luxury interior
Technique: Chromolithography
Maker: Vincent Brooks, Day
Son, London, 1883
- Dimensions:Height: 14.97 in (38 cm)Width: 10.24 in (26 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 6
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1883
- Condition:Overall very good original condition. Light, even age toning throughout, with occasional small scattered spots or faint handling marks consistent with 19th-century paper. The chromolithographed images remain crisp and unfaded.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14157-13, -14, -15, -16, -17, -181stDibs: LU3054348314202
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Vanity Fair was a weekly magazine published in London, founded & edited by Thomas Gibson Bowles. His aim was to expose to contemporary vanities of Victorian society. From 1868 to 1914, full page colour lithographs appeared in most weekly issues, frequently lampooning or lauding their subjects which included artists, athletes, royalty, politicians, scientists, authors, actors, sportsmen, lawyers, diplomats, soldiers, clergy, scholars and other celebrities of the day - mostly British, but also many other internationally significant personalities. Over 2,300 of these colour cartoons were printed, and they are considered the chief cultural legacy of the magazine, forming a pictorial record of many of the most significant public figures of the period. They are renowned throughout the world and highly collectible and recognisable. Famous artists contributed to Vanity Fair, typically under pen names. The best remembered today is Leslie Ward (1851-1922), who signed his works as "Spy", and whose caricatures account for well over half of those featured in Vanity Fair. So famous have these fabulous prints become, Vanity Fair caricatures today often are referred to simply as "Spy Cartoons...
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