Francis Wheatley Sweet China Oranges An 18th Century Engraving from The Cries of London Series
Offered by: Timeless Intaglio – Rare Prints, Maps & Books
By Appt. Alamo, CA 94507 , United States Call Seller 925.272.8170

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"Sweet China Oranges": An 18th Century Engraving from The Cries of London Series

Creator: Francis Wheatley
Offered by: Timeless Intaglio – Rare Prints, Maps & Books

$ 675
  • Description
    This is a beautifully framed hand-colored engraving from the famous "Cries of London" series, depicting the lives and professions of the common people of 18th century London, who worked the streets, hawking their wares. This engraving from the series "Cries of London", originally painted by Francis Wheatley, was published by Colnaghi & Co. in London in 1794. It is entitled: "Sweet China Oranges, Sweet China, Oranges sucrees, oranges fines", Plate No. 3, engraved by Luigi Schiavonetti.

    "Sweet China Oranges" depicts a man carrying a basket of oranges negotiating with two well dressed women for the price of his oranges. Another basket lies on the ground behind him. The man who has a hole in the right sleeve of his coat is in stark contrast with the upper class women and the well dressed child in the background. A poor woman approaches from the left.

    This print is presented in a decorative gold-colored wood frame, which measures 20.5" x 16.38" x .88". There is slight discoloration in the margins, but the print is otherwise in very good condition.

    There are six additional framed engravings from the 'Cries of London' series available on 1stdibs that are presented in similar or identical frames. The reference numbers for the additional 'Cries of London' listings are: LU117326068762, LU117326068742, LU117326068772, LU117326068782, LU117326068802 and LU117326068812. These would make for an attractive and interesting display grouping of two, three or more prints. Additional discounts are available for purchase of a set, with a greater percentage price reduction offered for higher volume.

    Although there were versions of the "Cries of London" created for centuries, the most well known and popular was this series, created by Francis Wheatley. Wheatley exhibited his 14 paintings of the "Cries" at the Royal Academy between 1792 and 1795. The publishing company Colnaghi & Co. were impressed by his work and agreed to publish a series of engravings after Wheatley's famous paintings. Thirteen of the fourteen paintings were engraved with a stipple technique by some the most noted engravers in England, including: Niccolo Schiavonetti, Giovanni Vendramini and Thomas Gaugain. These colorful prints give a glimpse of 18th century London's commoners, the peddlers, charlatans, street hawkers, milkmaids, and grocers who made their living on the city streets. They advertised their wares with musical shouts or melodic rhymes, which were a constant part of the sights and sounds of the city at that time. Wheatley grew up in Covent Garden among the hawkers with their cries echoing in the streets around the market. The old stone pillars of the market buildings still stand today. Wheatley's wife was also a painter and exhibited at the Royal Academy. She served as the model for the women in several of the scenes.

    Two years before Wheatley exhibited his paintings at the Royal Academy, the forty-one year old painter had been elected to the Royal Academy over the King’s nominee. The king was upset at this and made sure that Wheatley never again received another of his or his nobles' commissions. The portraits of nobles had previously been Wheatley's main source of income. Ironically, what should have been the crowning glory of his career, instead turned out to be its ruin. Wheatley was declared insolvent in 1793 and struggled to make a living until his death in 1801, when the Royal Academy paid his funeral expenses. Yet in the midst of this turmoil, Wheatley managed to create these wonderful images of street sellers. Although they were seen at the time as of little consequence compared to his aristocratic portraits, are now the works that define his lasting reputation. His “Cries of London” series is considered by many as the most beautiful and most popular prints ever created on this subject.
  • More Information
    Documentation: Signed
    Origin: England
    Period: 18th Century
    Condition: Good.
    Styles / Movements: Traditional
    Incollect Reference #: 594672
  • Dimensions
    W. 16.38 in; H. 20.5 in; D. 0.88 in;
    W. 41.61 cm; H. 52.07 cm; D. 2.24 cm;
Message from Seller:

Timeless Intaglio is an online gallery of rare and collectable antiquarian prints, maps and books. Although we specialize in all forms of vintage printed works on paper, the majority were created with the intaglio method of transferring ink from a plate, usually copper, to paper with a technique utilizing pressure generated by a press. Email us directly: rbreiman@timelessintaglio.com

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