This is a rare survivor and it is in such fabulous condition. This is a fine hand-coloured aquatint (the colouring is original to the print and not a later addition). The artist is unknown but it was published by Thomas McLean at 26 Haymarket in London.
This print dates to 1826 and shows the interior of a Georgian Mission House - with a preacher expounding the virtues of undertaking missionary work to a small congregation. It is such an interesting image - and full of humour. Given that this print was published in London, this might represent a small gathering of The Missionary Society which was founded a few years before in 1795 (and later renamed the London Missionary Society or LMS in 1818).
The preacher obviously has made a very long speech about his successes in spreading the word globally. He has a wee red nose - perhaps suggesting that he might like a little tipple. His audience don't look so happy. They are probably going to be very grateful when he does conclude his speech. Three paintings are shown hanging on the mission room walls - the central image might be a historical reference to earlier missionaries such as Wesley or Jonathan Edwards. It does, however, look a lot like the speaker - he certainly looks like he enjoys the finer things in life and is certainly plump in his features. Perhaps he doesn't always practice what he preaches.
To the right is a painting of a sailing ship (possibly the "Duff") arriving at the shores of an exotic land with palm trees on the seashore. The location is probably somewhere in the South Seas. To the left, another painting shows the Missionaries arriving at their destination and are in the process of preaching the Gospel to natives. They don't seem very interested in the sermon either - and are shown dancing about.
Dimensions: Image size 16.5 x 23 cm. The platemark is 20 x 26 cm. Frame size: 34 x 39 cm.
It is a very rare survivor - and I can only find one more impression which is in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the US. And indeed, my one on offer here is in better condition! This rare work is priced to take into account its rarity, age and its magnificent condition. It is certainly a special museum or society piece.
We will cap the postage on this artwork at £14.95. This will be for fully insured delivery with Royal Mail Special Next Day Delivery postage.