Singleton, Henry "The Vicar of the Parish Receiving His Tithes"

Henry Singleton. "The Vicar of the Parish Receiving His Tithes."

London, circa 1800. Engraved by T. Burke. 14 1/4 x 11 7/8. Trimmed to plate on top and sides. Otherwise, very good condition. 

Here a young mother and her son bring a basket filled with geese and a piglet in lieu of money. Agricultural tithing was very common in Europe at the time. The rector must have had a successful day, as bottles of wine can be seen behind his desk and his pocket is stuffed with donations.

Henry Singleton (1766-1839) was a British artist of genre, historical, literary and biblical themed scenes. He was a precocious talent, exhibiting at the Society of Artists at age 14 and entering the Royal Academy Schools three years later. He exhibited at the Royal Academy every year from 1784 until his death in 1839 and also at the British Institution beginning with its founding in 1806. Many of his paintings were made into stipple engravings which became widely popular. A fine example of his work.

Another engraving after Singleton on a related subject:

"The Curate of the Parish Returned from Duty"