Navigation 2023

Rare prints and maps...Since 1918! Click here to go to Darvill's home page.

Since Adirondack Retro acquired Darvill's Rare Prints in August of 2022, we have been working tirelessly on our New State-Of-The Art Website. We are excited to announce that it is now up and running and that our massive inventory of Antique Prints and Rare Maps are being transferred over to the new site daily. In addition to the nearly 500,000 prints found on www.DarvillsRarePrints.com, Adirondack Retro offers an eclectic selection of Antique and Vintage Advertisements along with their Limited Edition Giclee Prints. During this transition, customers will still be able to shop and make purchases on www.DarvillsRarePrints.com.

Sign up for our Mailing List and receive our Adirondack Retro Newsletter. When you sign up, we will email you a coupon code for you to get 15% OFF your first order at AdirondackRetro.com.

 
 

The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain, engraven by Mr. Houbracken, and Mr. Vertue
with their Lives and Characters by Thomas Birch, A.M., F.R.S.

Original 260+-year-old copper engravings on beautiful chain-laid paper

Printed in London by John and Paul Knapton
1742-1756

Sheet size varies by edition, but plate sizes are all the same (measured to plate mark): approximately 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
 
Geoffrey Chaucer
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE I

Geoffrey Chaucer

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 15.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: foxing

Geoffrey Chaucer
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE I

Geoffrey Chaucer

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent; please refer to enlargement

$299.99

William Wickham
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 2

William Wickham, Bishop of Winchester

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: very minor foxing in margin

$199.99

William Wickham Bishop of Winchester
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 2

William Wickham, Bishop of Winchester

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent; one dark spot on left extreme edge of paper; please refer to enlargement

$199.99

William Waynfleet, Bishop of Winchester
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 3

William Waynfleet, Bishop of Winchester

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 10.25 x 16.25 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: some foxing, mainly in outer margin

$199.99

William Waynfleet, Bishop of Winchester
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 3

William Waynfleet, Bishop of Winchester

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent; one brown mark in middle right, just inside plate markplease refer to enlargement

$199.99

Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 4

Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: typical light aging around paper's edges

$199.99

Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 4

Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: very good to excellent; very faint indentation in upper right corner (only somewhat noticeable in certain light) please refer to enlargement

$199.99

William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 5

William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury

Engraved by Geoge Vertue
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: typical light aging around paper's edges, fox mark within image (left side)

$199.99

William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 5

William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury

Engraver not inscribed
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent; please refer to enlargement

$199.99

Queen Elizabeth, Wife of King Henry VII
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 6

Queen Elizabeth, Wife of King Henry VII

Engraver not inscribed
Approximate sheet size: 10.25 x 16.25 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: typical foxing

$199.99

Queen Elizabeth, Wife of King Henry VII
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 6

Queen Elizabeth, Wife of King Henry VII

Engraver not inscribed
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent; please refer to enlargement

$199.99

Geoffrey Chaucer
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 7

Henry VIII, King of England

Painted by Holbein, Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent; one fox mark top center, just outside of plate mark; please refer to enlargement

$399.99

Catharine of Arragon, Wife of King Henry VIII
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 8

Catharine of Arragon, Wife of King Henry VIII

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a Holbein painting
Approximate sheet size: 10.25 x 16.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
photocopy of biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: typical light foxing and mild age toning of paper

$199.99

Catharine of Arragon, Wife of King Henry VIII
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 8

Catharine of Arragon, Wife of King Henry VIII

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: very good to excellent; paper loss lower left, well away from plate mark, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 9

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 10.25 x 16.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: typical light foxing

$199.99

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 9

John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal, and Lord Chancellor
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 10

Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal, and Lord Chancellor

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 10.25 x 15.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: none

$199.99

Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal, and Lord Chancellor
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 10

Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal, and Lord Chancellor

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: very good to excellent, natural paper wrinkle upper right corner well away from image and plate mark, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 11

Sir Thomas More, Lord High Chancellor

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 10.25 x 15.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: minor foxing

Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 11

Sir Thomas More, Lord High Chancellor

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$299.99

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 12

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: very minor foxing

$199.99

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 12

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

John Russel, Earl of Bedford
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 13

John Russel, Earl of Bedford

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 9.75 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: somewhat narrow right margin

$199.99

John Russel, Earl of Bedford
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 13

John Russel, Earl of Bedford

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 14

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: somewhat narrow right margin

$199.99

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 14

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

Geoffrey Chaucer
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 15

Ann Bullen [Anne Boleyn, Bolen] Queen of Henry VIII

Painted by Holbein, Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent; please refer to enlargement

$399.99

Queen Anne of Cleves
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 16

Queen Anne of Cleves

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 10.5 x 16.125 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
photocopy of biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: some foxing

Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 16

Queen Anne of Cleves

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$299.99

Queen Catherine Howard
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 17

Queen Catherine Howard

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: somewhat narrow right margin

Queen Catherine Howard
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 17

Queen Catherine Howard

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$299.99

Queen Jane Seymour, Wife of King Henry VIII
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 18

Queen Jane Seymour, Wife of King Henry VIII

Engraver not inscribed
Approximate sheet size: 10.125 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
photocopy of biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: mild age toning, somewhat narrow right margin

Queen Jane Seymour, Wife of King Henry VIII
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 18

Queen Jane Seymour, Wife of King Henry VIII

Engraver not inscribed
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, natural paper wrinkle top edge, well away from plate mark and image, please refer to enlargement

$299.99

Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 19

Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a Holbein painting
Approximate sheet size: 10 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: outer edges of paper are age toned

$199.99

Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 19

Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a Holbein painting
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 20

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 9.875 x 16 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition issues: somewhat narrow right margin

$199.99

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk
(Click image to enlarge. Darvill's digital watermark does not appear on actual antique engraving.)
PLATE 20

Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk

Engraved by Jacobus Houbraken after a painting by Holbein
Approximate sheet size: 14.125 x 20.75 inches
Approximate image size: 9.5 x 14.75 inches (about 23 x 36 cm)
Original biographical text accompanies engraving
Condition: excellent, please refer to enlargement

$199.99

next page
More Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain...

Thousands more antique portaits here