This collection of framed prints featuring a range of 19th-century topographical steel engravings and contemporary etchings. Included is a large-scale steel engraving of Venice, inscribed with the characters SAINT MARK’S PLACE VENICE, alongside a hand-coloured steel engraving of St. Petersburg titled The Kazan Church and Bridge. A nautical engraving titled TIGER ISLAND, Entrance of the Canton River, after a drawing by Thomas Allom, is likely sourced from a mid-19th-century publication such as China Illustrated; it displays fine cross-hatched engraving and a distinct plate mark. The lot also features a hand-coloured view of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, an architectural etching of Prague signed Jindra to the lower right, and a printed facsimile of an illuminated manuscript page with Arabic characters transcribed as Al-Kurki (The Crane). The intaglio works exhibit characteristic techniques, including precise incised lines in the engravings and fluid acid-bitten lines in the etching. The prints are presented in a variety of frames, including black-and-gilt mouldings and polished wood frames.
Condition report:
Condition varies across the collection. The older topographical prints exhibit significant uniform toning, mat-burn, and scattered foxing. However, the impressions remain generally crisp, and plate marks are clearly visible on several examples. The contemporary etching and manuscript facsimile show less paper discoloration. The frames are in good display condition overall, showing only minor edge wear and surface scuffs consistent with age.
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