Pericles the Athenian. Calligraphy by Thomas Tomkins. From The Beauties of Writing. Published in 1808. Size: 28 x 43.7 cms

An original copperplate engraving dated 1777.

‘When Pericles the Athenian had in public Speech directed himself to the several Ranks and Orders of Countrymen, he then addressed himself to his Female Audience thus :I shall advise you in few words, aspire on;y to those Virtues that are perculiar to your sex, follow your natural modesty and think it Your greatest commendation not to be talked of one way or another”.

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 engraved image sits unevenly in the paper surround. The surface is lightly marked. There is a dark mark on the left hand edge of the paper surround and a spot of foxing on the right hand edge. There is light surface wear but the engraving is generally, considering its age, clean and fresh.