Horse litter c.1325 Mediaeval European Horse Transportation 1813 aquatint print

A Horse Litter- Anno 1325

(Mediaeval Europe- Equestrian- Modes of Transportation)

Issued London, 1813 by Colnaghi & Co.

Aquatint by Hill. Etched by Atkinson. Delineated by C.H.S.

Beautiful early 19th century aquatint image, with near magical original hand color. A splendid image with a unique style of aquatint coloring which reveals a sensibility on the part of the colourist utterly rooted in this 200+ year old historical era.

Excellent rendering of this uncommonly seen bygone mode of transport- being carried with a wooden structure (called a litter) on long wood poles attached to two horses. Note the head peeking out from under the lovely striped fabric -without windows or viewing openings, perhaps implying secrecy & privacy for the important occupants.

The image has a near folk-art feel, a style quite unique to this historical moment. Utterly unlike anything produced today and of modern aesthetic appeal for this reason.

Mostly clean & well preserved example, trivial blank margin corner staining & edge toning which visually testifies to the age and patina.

Sheet measures c. 12 1/2" x 10".

Printed area measures c. 10 1/2' x 8 1/2" .

[R12882]

Abbey, Life In England in Aquatint & Lithography , 431, 24.