This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2023
[FAWKES] BARTHOLOMEW FAIR. London: J.F. Setchel, 1721. Unmounted aquatint, being a fan leaf with printed caption below the image commemorating the annual Bartholomew Fair and picturing the many amusements, booths, and entertainers who took part in the event, among them conjurer Isaac Fawkes and his “dexterity of hand” performing the Egg Bag and card tricks on a large placard above his booth, with a second billboard picturing the “posture masters” (contortionists) who worked alongside him, a peep show titled “The Siege of Gibraltar,” rope dancers, a crude Ferris Wheel-type ride. 11½ × 22¼". Remnants of scrapbook mounting to verso with contemporary ALS and a print from Caufield’s book of curious characters still partially attached; fan leaf with short tears at old folds with minor losses and chips. See BM 1214.27 and Jay’s Journal of Anomalies, cover illustration and gatefold at page 58.
The “Setchel Fan,” as it is commonly known, was for years attributed to Thomas Loggan, the dwarf fan painter of Tunbridge-Wells, but recent research has led scholars to the conclusion that this was instead the work of an anonymous artist.