All four etchings measure 11 1/2” X 9 3/4” each and all four say they were published in 1804; i.e. Pub. R Phillip 1804 printed on them. I don’t believe that these were taken from a book, colorized and then matted and framed because they clearly show a relief area around each etching that would only be found on an original etching plate process. You can also clearly tell they were hand colored after each etching was done, possibly at a later date.
There is no question that the art is of the 1800 period and is a reflection of the cynicism and the way of life of the period.
All four etchings look much better than my poor photography shows and are a very unusual piece of art to own. Are they antiques… I am not positive, but we bought them over 30 years ago on the East Coast in an antique gallery and they do say published in 1804 on them.
They are very attractive and are professionally conservation matted and framed.
