The Market Cart. Gainsborough, H.Robinson engraving. Publisher George Virtue. c1875

$40.00

Antique print of an old master's charming country scene of The Market Cart where a family returns home with provisions from the market, and a young boy collects firewood along the way.

Original fine steel engraving by E. Robinson after the painting by Thomas Gainsborough, R.A. (1727-1788). Published in London circa 1875 by George Virtue.

One of the greatest English portrait painters, from the age of 15, for three years, Gainsborough studied with historical artist Francis Hayman (1706-1776), who was one of the founders of the Royal Academy. Married at 20, Gainsborough settled in Ipswich and painted portraits. He spent much of his time in the countryside, painting landscapes, which became an important part of his work. In Bath from 1759, Gainsborough found great success as a portraitist. He then moved to London, and competed with Reynolds for popularity as a painter of portraits. While Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) showed greater technical excellence, Gainsborough's work shows instinctive insight into his subjects.

Thre are no wavy lines across the sky. The scanner misreads very fine lines.. Engraving measure 15 x 12cm (6 x 4.75 inches) on page 270 x 205mm (10.75 x 8 inches).