Author: Roberts, Piercy (fl. 1795-1824) after Woodward, George Moutard (ca. 1765-1809)
Title: [Hand colored etching/Handgekleurde ets] A sailor sitting for his miniature/Zeeman poseert.
Description: An artist (likely a portrait of Woodward), wearing a flowered dressing-gown, is sitting in profile to the right, at a desk, painting on a small oval a bust portrait of a sailor who sits opposite to the artist, smoking a pipe. The sailor looks quite angry or grumpy. He wears a hat, a jacket, striped trousers and buckled shoes. On his cheek is a round black patch. Five lines at the top report the words of the sailor: Come my Hearty - mind what you are at - make good use of your Eyes - you know the terms on which I set sail - ten golden quids if you come to Anchor in ten minutes - but a minute beyond time, and you have but five you know, so heave a head do you hear - and lay in plenty of the true-blue about the jacket, - and Harkee Young-one - don't forget the beauty spot on the lar-board side of my Cheek - Poll calls it her hearts delight, - well this same painting is a fine knack to be sure - but I am rather puzzled about one thing - If you can get my hulk, head, and stern into that there little bit of ivory - [missing text] I think you would be able to tow a seventy-four through one of the cock boat Arches of London Bridge. Signed below: Woodward delin. / Etch'd by Roberts and just above: Pub.d. Jan.ry XXXX [text crossed out in the plate] T. Tegg III Cheaprde. Titled below: A SAILOR sitting for his MINIATURE. Address below cut out. Date of print 1807. Hand colored etching on paper, trimmed within plate; total: 250 x 331 mm; as mentioned a portion of text is missing, as a hole was carved on the paper, probably on purpose (the original text was: ivory - d------n me, but...). Despite some dirt and damages along the margins, in good condition. Very charming.

Keywords: Art history|Caricature|Fashion|Hand colored|Painting|Portraits|Professions|Satirical Art history, Caricature, Fashion, Hand colored, Painting, Portraits, Professions, Satirical,