P.W. Tomkins after Romanelli - Early 19th Century Stipple Engraving Poetry

Description

A fine early 19th Century coloured stipple engraving, showing one of the Greek Muses, Erato. Erato was the Muse of poetry and is often shown with a wreath of myrtle leaves on her head. The engraving is handsomely presented in a gilt oval frame with Verre églomisé glazing, inscribed with the artist's name and title of the artwork. On wove.

Condition

There is some craquelure to the Verre églomisé and losses to the black at the right side. The frame has heavy tarnishing and losses around the outer rim.

Size

19.1 x 13.8cm (7.5" x 5.4")
Framed Size: 38.2 x 33.8cm (15" x 13.3")

Artist Biography

He was born in London, and was baptised 15 October 1759, the younger son of William Tomkins (1730?–1792), a landscape-painter, and his wife Susanna Callard; Charles Tomkins the antiquarian draughtsman and aquatint engraver was his elder brother. He became a pupil of Francesco Bartolozzi, and working in the dot and stipple style.
Tomkins was engaged as drawing-master to the daughters of George III, and spent time at court, receiving the appointment of historical engraver to the queen. For some years he carried on business as a print publisher in Bond Street. Ambitious projects involved him in heavy financial losses; he then obtained an Act of Parliament authorising him to dispose by lottery of the collection of watercolour drawings from which his engravings were executed, together with unsold impressions of the plates, together valued at £150,000.
Tomkins died at his house in Osnaburgh Street, London, on 22 April 1840.