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In 1812, Philadelphia bookseller and publisher Moses Thomas purchased a monthly magazine entitled Select Reviews, engaged Washington Irving as editor, and renamed the publication The Analectic Magazine. Irving, his brother-in-law J. K. Paulding, Gulian C. Verplanck and, later, Thomas Isaac Wharton wrote much of the material, which concentrated on literary reviews, articles on travel and science, biographies of naval heroes, and reprints of selections from British periodicals. Illustration "was one of the magazine's chief distinctions. Not only were there the usual engravings on copper, but some of the earliest magazine experiments in lithography and wood engraving appeared here. The plates were chiefly portraits, though some other subjects were used." (Mott, A History of American Magazines) This is a fine engraving of Franklin and a nice example of early American printmaking. $250
Tompkins Harrison Matteson. “Benjamin Franklin. Born in Boston, Jan.. 17th, 1706-Died in Philadelphia, April 17th, 1790.” New York: The Albion, ca. 1860. 20 x 14. Engraving by Henry Sadd. Printed by J. Dalton. Several short tears in margins not affecting image. Otherwise, very good condition.
A delightful and symbolic portrait print of Benjamin Franklin. Drawn by the 19th century American artist, Thompkins Matteson, this print celebrates Franklin’s accomplishments visually. Propped up on the desk is a large book which deals with Franklin’s treaties on electricity. In the background, outside the window, a thunderbolt strikes from the stormy heavens. Another large book, Laws of Pennsylvania, rests against his chair which illustrates his time in the Pennsylvania Assembly. In his left hand are bifocal spectacles which he invented. His success as a writer is indicated by a small copy of Poor Richards Almanac and a feathered pen. In his other hand is a compass and below a large floor globe indicating his success as a diplomat. On the table is a rolled plan of a library which is most likely the Library Company which was founded by Franklin.
The original painting and subsequent print was commissioned by the New York Albion, a weekly news paper that flourished during the mid 19th century. This print was offered to subscribers and to the general public. It was the Albion’s custom to commission prints once or twice a year. Tompkins H. Matteson was a painter of historical and political scenes who produced some of the more interesting American historical prints of the mid-nineteenth century. This steel engraving by H.S. Sadd, who engraved a number of Matteson’s paintings, is wonderful example of his output. $825
"Benjamin Franklin." 19th century engraving by Jno. Lodge. Image ca 2 3/4 x 2 1/2. Very good condition.
A nice small engraving based on the portrait from Almon's Intelligencer (1777). $65
Book plate engraved portraits from the 19th century:
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![Alonzo Chappel. "Benja. Franklin" [facsimile signature]](images/chappelfranklin.jpg){kind=link}