This is a comical print by Robert Seymour Shortshanks (1798 - 1836). It looks at the perils of steam-powered transportation in the Regency Period.
It dates to around 1829. It is a rare survivor.
The print is a copperplate etching and has hand-colouring original to the print on its issue.
It was published by Thos. McLean 26 Haymarket. (London).
It is in fairly good antique condition - and has recently been professionally re-framed in a good-quality frame and new acid-free window mount. Nice and clean - and all ready for you to hang on your wall.
I have taken lots of images for your inspection. A great item not just for the collector of Georgian satirical prints, but also for the collector of antique items relating to railways. It is a sought-after work - and in only a few prestigious museum collections, including Princeton University, The Metropolitan in New York, and The Science Museum, London.
SUBJECT: Shortshanks is one of the many nineteenth-century artists who made fun of early steam engines. This plate entitled "Locomotion" depicts various comical attempts to travel using steam power and the perils of the coming of the Age of Steam. Inventions include the steam-powered walking machine or exoskeleton that controls a pair of boots (Walking by Stream); a tea kettle carriage powered by gunpowder tea (Riding by Stream); and a steam-driven ornithopter (Flying by Steam). The old titles ran along the top and are present on the print - but they seem to have been covered by the new mount when we had the print re-framed - I have photographed the titles which are below the top of the new mount.
Shortshanks also produced a companion print (sadly not in my possession) which shows how each of these mechanisms has gone wrong. The fire in the boot engine has gone out. The tea has exploded in the steam kettle carriage. And both the flying steam contraptions are in trouble.
CONDITION: This is an original 1820s impression with its original hand colouring and printed on antique laid paper. It is in generally fine condition commensurate with age. As an antique print - it may have some minor condition issues - I have taken lots of close-up details of the sheet so I hope will enable you to assess its condition. It is NOT a later impression, copy or photographic reproduction.
DIMENSIONS: Images size is 23.5 x 32.5 cm Frame size is 35 x 44 cm
SADLY, UK POSTING ONLY. This will cost about £10 to send to you carefully packed with Parcelforce48, Tracked and insured in transit. This will be applied at checkout.