STEEL ENGRAVING – “DRIFT-WRECK FROM THE ARMADA” from the original painting by P.R. Morris, engraved by C.H. Jones, published in 1878.  This engraving with its curved top is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 5 5/8” x 9 7/8”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

      Thanks to the winds and waves, and to the piratical old sea-dogs, Drake and Frobisher, and Hawkins, and their hardly followers, the Invincible Armada was defeated.  Queen Elizabeth was at liberty to flirt with and behead her favorites, and the English people could say their prayers, according to Act of Parliament, undisturbed by Popes of Rome or Spanish Kings.  Of the great fleet which sailed from Spain to conquer and set King Philip on the throne of his dead wife, but fifty-three out of one hundred thirty vessels returned to tell of the reception, which had awaited them; the rest were at the bottom of the wild northern sea, or with bleaching ribs lay wrecked on the British coasts.  Such is the theme chosen by the artist, and the wreck of some tall Spanish admiral supplies the subject.  The sea is still in wild commotion, as if the gale had only just subsided, while the shattered hulk on the left of the fate of one of King Philip’s cruisers.  The inhabitants of the coast have come to gather what the sea has brought them, and gentle, timid women walk unmolested amid the weapons of their foes.  The bundle of pike-heads, carried by the man, were lately borne by soldiers who proudly boasted of being the finest infantry in Europe, and the rapiers on the shoulder of the boy were perhaps baptized in Aztec blood.  The hands of those who wielded both are now cold in death, and many a dark eye will fill with the story of their fate reaches far-off Andalusia and Castile.  The women have made a truly feminine choice in gathering what seemed most precious to them, and to their unaccustomed eyes, the costly fabrics must appear of priceless value.  The picture tells its story plainly.  There is a strong, breezy atmosphere about it, natural to the coast, and idea of breadth as well as distance given to the sea-view is very cleverly managed.  The costume of the figures might be objected to on the score of historical accuracy; but on the whole the picture is fairly good, without pretentious to a very high grade in art.  It was exhibited at the British Royal Academy in 1867.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Antique prints, etchings, engravings, and lithographs are printing processes, which use steel, copper, stone or wood blocks or plates to produce a picture on paper.

Most antique prints and engravings, which are seen on the internet today, are bookplates.  Because they are pages from a book, there are multiple copies in existence.  This does not, however, mean that they are "reproductions" that have been printed recently.  Because they were, at some point, part of books, some have been preserved in excellent condition, while others show signs of age, as yellow spots or darkness on the edge of the page from being handled.

Engravings, and lithographs are high quality pieces of art, as it took a highly trained artist many hours of work to produce one.  Although there may be multiple copies still in existence, the date of the item should be stated, thus giving the buyer an idea of its age.

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