STEEL ENGRAVING – “FIRST LOVE” from the original painting by Joseph J. Jenkins, engraved by S. Sangster, published in 1878.  This engraving features a rounded top, is in very good condition.  The engraving measures 7” x 9 7/8”, and is matted to 11” x 14” for easy framing.

     The picture, “First Love”, is a watercolor, and was first in the possession of Queen Victoria.  Paintings of this kind were brought to a high degree of perfection in the mid 1800's.  In depth of tone, richness of color, and durability, the now sustain favorable comparison with oil paintings, while, in transparency and delicacy of tint, they are unquestionably superior.  This advance was made in the mid 1800’s, and at the annual exhibition held in London, of the Society of Painters in Watercolors, became second only in importance to that of the British Royal Academy.

    The subject of the picture requires little interpretation.  Who has not loved, and who cannot remember the intoxicating sweetness of love’s young dream.  Here the youth has laid down his instrument, with the notes of which he has probably accompanied a ballad “made to his mistress’ eyebrows,” and is now gazing upward to see how his words have been received.  It is evident that the fair listener is not offended, and as she stands bashfully toying the rose in her hands, it is easy to conceive that her whispered response will be such as the youth longs to hear.

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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