Lot 119

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Description:

Early 19th C. British Etching, "The Parson at his Studies," Satirizing Organized Religion

A comical hand-colored etching by English printmaker Charles Williams (active 1797-1830) entitled "The Parson at his Studies, or, A Skittle Ground the wrong road to a Benifice [sic]." Text preceding title is "by Thos. Tegg 111 Cheapside," which from comparisons with institutional examples gives the etching a date of after 1815. Text following the title is "Vide Anecdote of Dr Willett." The plate is numbered 218 in the upper right hand corner. The title of the work is printed at bottom center. Expected wear including toning and gentle wavering and wrinkles. Isolated pen and pencil inscriptions by a former collector located verso, along with an adhered catalog sticker and printed catalog description. The top and bottom edges of the print verso are mounted to the reverse of a cream-colored mat. Else near fine with a deep plate mark, and in vibrant colors. The sight size of the print is 14" x 9.875" while the overall size of the mat is 20.125" x 15.875."

The humor of this etching--besides its visually engaging allusions to cultural stereotypes--operates on the near pun of "Benefit" and "Benefice." An earlier state of this etching can be found in the collection of the British Museum, which provides us with an excellent description of the scene: "On a skittle-ground just outside an inn (left) with the sign of the mitre [bishop's hat], a stout parson stoops to throw a ball at a set of ninepins, smoking a long pipe. A farmer, seated close to him, with a foaming jug, says, with his pipe in his mouth, 'I think a game of skittles must be healthy exercise Doctor!!' The parson: 'Yes! I was advised to it by my Physician! I find great benefit! I get quite a dab at it--here goes the Head of the Church!' He has not seen a grossly fat and carbuncled bishop who has entered the enclosure, leaving a carriage and pair at the gate. The bishop says: 'Proceed good Doctor with your Game--I wish you all the benefit from it which your Physician has promised, but I am afraid it will never procure you a Benefice.' A man in riding-dress, an ostler, and a countryman in a smock watch from the left, the bishop's coachman and footman from the gate (right)."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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November 29, 2023 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000