“Edwin and Angelina” After John Flaxman R.A. (1755-1826)

“Edwin and Angelina”
After John Flaxman R.A. (1755-1826)
Engraved by Robert Samuel Marcuard (1751-1792)
Published by George Durand (fl.1780-1789)
London, 1783

Measures:-
19 cm by 15 cm (oval)
26 cm by 23 cm (framed)

An illustration after Flaxman for Oliver Goldsmith's ballad "Edwin and Angelina" in 'The Vicar of Wakefield' (first published in 1766). In Goldsmith's verse Angelina, believes her rejected suitor Edwin has died of a broken heart and so she embarks on a journey of repentance disguised as a male pilgrim. She meets a hermit on her journey who advises the incognito Angelina to renounce women, but upon revealing her true identity, the hermit in turn declares himself to be Edwin and the lovers are reconciled. Retains part of the text verso with the title, four lines of verse, and the publication details. 

""Forbid it heav'n" the hermit cry'd, / And clasp'd her to his breast / The wondering fair one turn'd to chide, Twas Edwin's self that prest." Dr Goldsmith."

"London, Publish'd, March 1st 1783, by George Durand No.8 Catherine Street, Strand."

The engraver, Robert Samuel Marcuard, was one of Bartolozzi's pupils.

Extremely scarce. The British Museum holds an unidentified proof before letters (1868,0808.2947) and one other institutional copy has been located in the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden [SKD Inventory No. 'A113962']

Presented in its original late 18th Century gilt gesso frame with an integral gilded oval mount.