Description: THE RIGHT HON. WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE, M.P. Artist: J. Adams-Acton ____________ Engraver: W. ROFFE Note: the title in the table above is printed below the engraving CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OLD WORLD VIEWS LIKE THIS ONE!! AN ANTIQUE STEEL ENGRAVING MADE IN THE LATE 1870s!! FROM THE ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION: His statue of Mr. Gladstone was executed in the sculptor's studio when he resided in Rome, and there Mr. Gladstone gave him several sittings, and also in England when both had returned home. It stands on the east side of St. George's Hall, Liverpool, near that of the late Earl of Derby, and was presented to the corporation of Liverpool by a number of gentlemen, of all shades of political opinion, desirous of doing honour to their distinguished fellow-townsman. Mr. Gladstone, it must be remembered, is a native of the place; his father, the late Sir John Gladstone, Bart., having been a wealthy merchant there. Habited in the richly-ornamented costume of a Chancellor of the Exchequer-an office which the right honourable gentleman then filled-he is represented standing firmly on the right leg, the left being slightly advanced; and on the latter rests the corresponding hand holding a scroll: the right arm is thrown easily across the chest, the forefinger of the hand pressed against a fold of the robe, while the thumb is inserted within the vest. The sculptor has given an expression to the face less severe and more composed, mentally, as it were, than artists generally portray Mr. Gladstone's countenance, and, indeed, as it ordinarily shows itself to all who meet with him personally: there are the lines which result naturally from a long life of political turmoil and much-varied deep thought, but all are softened down into comparative repose and gentleness. The statue is certainly the most pleasing portrait of the eminent statesman and author we remember to have seen, while both in design and execution it is a work exceedingly creditable to the artist. BIOGRAPHY OF ARTIST: John Adams-Acton was born in Acton, Middlesex, in 1831 and became one of the most prominent portrait sculptors of the late Victorian and early Edwardian era. Around 1880 he and his wife, Janie, herself a talented writer and playwright, moved to 14 Langford Place, St. Johns Wood, when it was named "Sunnyside" and included nos 12 and 16. One of the first people to be charmed by the house in Langford Place was Sarah Bernhardt, the actress. The Prime Minister and his wife were also frequent guests. Mrs Adams-Acton held numerous soirees and afternoon bazaars for friends and neighbours and "Sunnyside" became a leading social centre for politicians and artists. His first public work to bring his name to prominence was the memorial in Westminster Abbey to the non-conformist preacher, Wesley. He was also the only Protestant sculptor ever to take sittings from the Pope Leo XIII. He is perhaps best known for his many busts of his friend, Prime Minister Gladstone who sat for him over 200 times. Other busts he made included Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Disraeli and Cardinal Manning. Adams-Acton's last public work, installed in the cathedral to great acclaim, was a recumbent effigy of Cardinal Manning. It was by cruel fate that Adams-Acton was hit by a vehicle when leaving the cathedral and he died 2 years later, aged 79, never having recovered from his internal injuries. PRINT DATE: This lithograph was printed in the 1870s; it is not a modern reproduction in any way. PRINT SIZE: Overall print size is 9 inches by 12 inches including white borders, actual scene is 3 1/2 inches by 8 inches. PRINT CONDITION: Condition is fine. Bright and clean. Blank on reverse. SHIPPING: Buyers to pay shipping/handling, domestic orders receives priority mail, international orders receive regular mail. Please allow time for personal check to clear. We pack properly to protect your item! Please note: the terms used in our auctions for engraving, heliogravure, lithograph, print, plate, photogravure etc. are ALL prints on paper, NOT blocks of steel or wood. "ENGRAVINGS", the term commonly used for these paper prints, were the most common method in the 1700s and 1800s for illustrating old books, and these paper prints or "engravings" were inserted into the book with a tissue guard frontis, usually on much thicker quality rag stock paper, although many were also printed and issued as loose stand alone prints. So this auction is for an antique paper print(s), probably from an old book, of very high quality and usually on very thick rag stock paper. EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS EXCELLENT CONDITION! Powered by eBay Turbo ListerThe free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.
Price: 6.55 USD
Location: New Providence, New Jersey
End Time: 2025-02-08T15:41:43.000Z
Shipping Cost: 7.95 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Original/Reproduction: Original Print
Print Type: Engraving
Date of Creation: 1800-1899
Type: Print
