ALKEN, Henry (1785-1851)

Specimens of Riding Near London, Drawn from Life

London: Thomas Mclean, 1823 [plates watermarked 1821]. Oblong folio. Letterpress ttile. 18 fine hand-coloured soft-ground etched plates by and after Alken.

Contemporary half red morocco over drab paper-covered boards, the flat spine divided into six compartments by double fillets, red morocco label on upper cover. Housed in a red cloth box

First edition of this wonderful evocation of fashionable and not-so-fashionable life in and near London

These plates show Alken at his best: a master in control of his medium. The 18 fine plates have humour, offer an insightful glimpse into the near-forgotten fashionable world of the 1820s and illustrate why Alken is considered one of the great equestrian artists of all time.

Mellon/Snelgrove 74; Slater 110; Tooley 51.

Item #38575

Price: $5,750.00