Cruikshank's Etching Hand-Tinted * Great Match Between Randal and Martin * c1820

Sometimes attributed to early 19th century artist George Cruikshank, this stunning hand-colored etching, The Great Match Between Randal and Martin, was actually done by George's brother Isaac Robert Cruikshank who, like George (and also their father Isaac Cruikshank), was an artist, illustrator, caricaturist and satirist. The subject is the bare-knuckle boxing match between Randal and Martin. The etching was published in 1819. There is text written in script above and below the illustration, reporting on the match. The authenticity of this piece is guaranteed. It is from that period and it is a true etching with no dots in the artwork and with a proper plate mark showing.

All is in very fine condition and any minor flaws are early and in keeping with the general aspect and character of this antique work. The paper has mellowed to the color of cream. Hand-tinting is original and has a mild over-all fade to it that is appealing. One small colony of tiny dots of dried black paint from the glazing's reverse paint is located just under the upper text to the right hand side. This is all visible in our photos. We see no rips, tears, holes or other flaws to the print itself. We have examined the picture to assure its quality. Photos are included. The back of the work has some shading. It looks to us that the coloring has seeped through over the generations.

The print came to us in a period frame with eglomise glazing. The left side of the frame (facing) has one strip of loss to the paint down 3/4 of the side's thin mid-section. The bare wood in that section is a little rough to the touch. There are a few flakes or short chips to the decoration on the frame scattered about, visible in our pictures. As to the glass itself, it is in fine shape, although the eglomise treatment has conditions due to age and exposure to light. It has some small clouds of blotchiness and rub marks where the black has worn. All visible in our photos. Judging from the surface wear on the frame and the small, discolored patches in the reverse black paint on the glass, it's been with this picture for a very long time. We have had  Georgian and early Victorian watercolor portraits, silhouettes and wax portraits of military, political and royal notables that were originally framed and glazed in this same manner and in remarkably similar condition.

Isaac Robert Cruikshank is listed in art references as both artist and engraver. He worked with London publisher S. W. Fores, producing etchings that were used with accounts of sporting, political and other notable events. The publisher's proper signature is top right on this piece. The original etching of The Great Match was published in 1819.

Visual image 15 1/2" X 11 3/8". Framed 22" X 17 3/4" X 1".  Parts of our information is here with thanks to the archives of the National Galleries of Scotland, British Museum (blogs), V&A Museum (archives - collections). Questions? Email anytime. If you'd like extra pictures, please email us with specifics of what you'd like to see, or tell us "general, over-all photos".