William Heath ('Paul Pry')
(1795-1840)
Watercolourist and caricaturist who worked mostly under the pseudonym of Paul Pry. He called himself 'Portrait and Military painter' and was reputed to be an 'ex-captain of dragoons' but is not recorded in the Army List. Heath began life as as a draughtsman and his main claim to fame rests on his having produced the first caricature magazine in Europe, The Glasgow later Northern Looking-Glass, 1825-26. Although this was a provincial work and without much text, it does pre-date Charles Philipon's similar publication. The height of his popularity fell between the years 1809-34, after which his humour was displaced by that of Robert Seymour and John Doyle. After this period he concentrated on topography and straight illustration.
[The Dictionary of British Book Illustrators and Caricaturists 1800-1914. Simon Houfe.] |
(Click to enlarge. The Darvill's watermark does not appear on actual antique etching.) |
CONDITION: Very Good/Excellent. Mounted/matted with complementary-coloured mount/mat, as shown above.
Trimmed close to neat lines on left and right sides beneath matting. Other photos available if necessary.
Small damp spot in upper left corner. Nice bright, fresh colors. |
