October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
Measures 16-3/4" x 12" including frame. The etching is captioned "John Wilkes Esqr. / Drawn from the Life and Etch'd in Aquafortis by Willm Hogarth / Price 1 shilling Publish'd according to Act of Parliament May ye 16th, 1763." In April of 1763, Wilkes was accused of printing Libel in his newspaper "The North Briton" where he attached the Treaty of Paris. A warrant was issued for his arrest as well as the publishers of this work. He was imprisoned in the Tower but was discharged on the grounds of privilege. He then sued for damages against the officers who ransacked his house and office, and won. He was then expelled from the Commons and outlawed as he continued his seditious activities. In the American Colonies, he was thought of as a martyr and was toasted by the Sons Of Liberty in Boston. The toast was reputed to be "Wilkes and Liberty". CONDITION: Very good, showing no staining, creases, or damage. PROVENANCE: Purchased from Hollis Broderick.