Hogarth, William (1697-1764) After. Engraved Formerly attributed to Joseph Sympson, Jr. (British, active 1727–36).

'James Figg | Master of ye Noble Science of Defence | on ye right hand in Oxford Road | near Adam & Eve court teaches Gentle- | men ye use of y[e] small backsword & |Quarterstaff at home & abroad'.

London: Craddock and Barnard, 1837. Print: 16.5 x 12 cm. Plate: 19 x 16.5 cm. Paper: 25 x 22 cm. Spot in right margin.

Forgery purporting to be a trade-card for James Figg, prize fighter and instructor in sword and quarter-staff; portrait of Figg standing full-length, one hand on his hip, the other on the hilt of his sword, with another man to left of him holding a quarter-staff, in a raised fighting ring with spectators; in a decorative border with crossed swords above, a man with a sword to either side and an inscription plaque with weapons below.


The plates were bought by the publisher Baldwin, Cradock and Joy at the Boydell sale in 1818. The Works of William Hogarth as published by Baldwin, Cradock and Joy in 1822 with the original plates restored by James Heath, engraver to His Majesty. The Heath edition was the last to print directly from Hogarth's original engraved plates. Item #51-2822

Price: $125.00