To A Young Lady. 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.

‘MayAngels guard thee with distinguished care. And every blessing fall to Cynthia’s Share! Thro’ flowing Paths securely may she tread! By Fortune followed, And by Virtue Led. While health and ease, in every look express, The glow of Beauty, and the calm of peace. Late May she feel the softest stroke of death , As Roses droop beneath a Zephyr’s breath. Thus gently fading peaceful rest in earth, Till the glad spring of Nature’s second birth: Then quit the transient Winter of the Tomb, To rise and flourish in immortal Bloom.”

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 slight surface wear but the engraving is generally, considering its age, clean and fresh.