Freedom. From Deborah by Handel. Calligraphy by Thomas Tomkins. From The Beauties of Writing. Published in 1808. Size: 28 x 43.7 cms

Freedom.

An original copperplate engraving dated 1777.

‘Smiling Freedom lovely Guest. Balmy source of softest Joy. Mortals by thy Aid are blest, With such Charms as never cloy. Thy dear Presence to obtain, Sweetly soothing every care, Who would dread the hostile plain? Who each danger would not dare?’

Words from Deborah, an oratorio by George Friedrich Handel.

Calligraphy by Thomas Tomkins (1743-1816).

Engraved by Joseph Ellis.

Thomas Tomkins was a calligrapher. A friend of Samuel Johnson and Joshua Reynolds he used to demonstrate drawing a perfect circle with a quill pen. For many years he ran a school of calligraphy in Foster Lane, London. His works include ornamental titles to books including Thomas Macklin’s Bible and James Thompson’s The Seasons. Also a transcript of Horatio Nelson’s letter announcing his victory at the Battle of The Nile that was engraved and published.

Size: 28 x 43.7 cms or 11 x 17 1/4 inches.

This piece is from The Beauties of Writing, ‘exemplified in a variety of plain and ornamental penmanship. Designed to excite Emulation in this valuable Art’. Originally published in 1777, it was published again in 1808-9. It is from this later publication that this engraving is taken.

A rare engraving. I can find none for sale at this time.

Condition: Very Good. The surface is lightly marked. There is light surface wear but the engraving is generally, considering its age, clean and fresh.