M. FORD CREECH ANTIQUES & FINE ARTS
COSTA SCENA : A CRUISE ALONG the SOUTHERN COAST of KENT A Cased Strip Panorama, An Aquatint "Dedicated to His Most Gracious Majesty George IV" * The Scenes Taken from Nature By Robert Havell Jr., Published London, 1823
(Ref. 5, King's Yacht) Havell's journey begins by inviting the viewer to join the Royal Regatta at the King's departure for Scotland, down the Thames to the English Channel. As the Royal procession advances, we "see" the King on board the "Royal George", as it is being towed by the "Comet" steam boat.
The Lord Mayor's barge is shown near Woolwich, towed by the "Sovereign" steam boat (Ref. 7).
Near Sheerness (Ref. 23) we note the royal yachts, the "Sovereign" and the "Regent" with a frigate and two gun-brigs. At Sheerness, "The Royal George" turns northward to Scotland, and Havell, on the steam boat "Comet", veers eastward toward Calais
Along Havell's remaining coastal journey Havell passes the Isle of Sheppy (Ref. 27), Whitstable (Ref. 31)...
...as well as Margate...and Broadstairs (Ref. 39). Havell (on the steam boat "Comet", shown steering for Ramsgate Harbor) is joined by Sir William Curtis M.P. (also wearing a kilt) (Ref. 42)
The voyagers observe the wreck of an "India man", unusual in Northern waters (Ref. 53).
When crossing the Channel of Dover a violent storm erupts. The wind is so fierce that (Ref. 60) it batters the main top mast of a passing frigate. The steam boat in which Havell travels, however, reaches Calais (Ref. 62) (far left) in perfect safety.
For a full account of George IV Northern excursion see John Prebble, "The King's Jaunt", (Edinburgh: Birlinn 2000), with the Thames/ Channel section of the story described pp. 156-164. Described are the King's overwhelmingly warm reactions to his subjects' celebrations, both on the land and within the regatta. He is described as not wanting to leave the deck, even after dark.
Condition : Several vertical tears : restored tear to title panel, with paper oxidation to the first 12 inches of paper; the wooden handle slightly separating from the paper at its base; thereafter only a few minor rim edge nicks and short tears; excellent color and detail retention; the case with expected scuffing to the paper An identical example is in the Collection of Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, L490.
Robert Havell Jr. worked as an engraver in London prior to moving to the United States (1839). Havell came at the invitation of John James Audubon, who became a close friend. He was the principal engraver of John James Audubon's "Birds of America". His aquatints, recognized as an important artistic achievement in their own right, became one of the most significant natural history publication ever produced. Above is Havell's familiar aquatint engraving of Audubon's "White Heron", a precise and elegant glimpse into the natural world of the American wetland bird. From 'Birds of America', John James Audubon, #386 'White Heron'.
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M. Ford Creech Antiques & Fine Arts / 581 South Perkins Road / Memphis, TN 38117 / USA / Wed.-Sat. 11-6, or by appointment
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