This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/18/2024
[CARTOON]. NIXON, John (“Hannibal Scratch”) (c. 1750-1818), artist. The Aerostatick Stage Balloon. London: William Wells, 23 December 1783. Copper etching (362 x 254 mm), laid down on tissue. A rare satirical illustration showing a man wielding a knife ready to cut the ropes of a balloon carrying passengers to the moon, comic verse beneath. In the highest tier are three ladies notorious at that time for their armours: Grace Elliott, known as “Dally the tall”, Perdita (Mary Robinson), and Lady Worsley. In the center gallery sit ex-ministers and in the lowest gallery sit celebrated quacks and other London characters.