A RARE EXAMPLE FROM ‘THE MUSICAL ENTERTAINER’ 1737
The Ladies Lamentation for ye Loss of Senesino
Copper engraved plate, Georgian laid paper. Uncoloured as issued.
Published in George Bickham, the younger. The Musical Entertainer London, 1737
Plate size 12 ¾ x 7 ¾” Suitable for framing.
Ref. LRA1306/D.LN/ dd.dosn> ANN PRICE CODE B
Numbered in upper right '38'; lettered below the image with the title and 'G. Bickham jun Sc.', with the verses of a song, one written in the score, another six given undernearth 'As musing I rang'd in the Meads all alone ... My darling is gone, and a fig for them all.' Set for the German flute, with a descant line 'For the Flute.' below.
We are pleased to offer this highly collectable page of Antique sheet music, being number 38 from the very rare engraved copperplate work The Musical Entertainer of 1737, comprising English Love & Folk songs set to music by such luminaries as Geo F. Handel, being published during his life time, and other composers including Purcell, Haydn and Corelli. Prints from this work are rarely seen on the market, (the work in its entirety is now priced in excess of $30,000 2011). This superb series of engraved musical pieces was first published in parts of four plates each and issued fortnightly between 1737 and 1739. Each print is headed by an charming original copper-engraved engraved vignette by George Bickham jnr. The scenes being of Georgian contemporary life and illustrative of the song. They are engraved in a mature rococo style, some in the French manner after Watteau. The pieces were scored for Viola, Piano and Harpiscord, some with a descant for flute.
It is George Bickham’s masterpiece & the first work of its type in England and believed to be the first use of baroque printing in music. We are particularly pleased to present this ancient work. The paper is fine, high quality hand made chain lined paper, light creamy in color. “These prints are about 270 years old and represent an enchanting part of our musical heritage”. (Panteek)
George Bickham the Younger c. 1706 – 1771 Printmaker, Caricaturist, publisher; son of George Bickham the Elder. Prolific publisher of a very wide range of prints; first major publication, a series of engraved song sheets entitled 'The Musical Entertainer' (1737). Apprentices: William Austin (1747), and his nephew Thomas Butcher (1759; qq.v.). Announced his retirement on 25 April 1767 (Public Advertiser) stating that his business would be continued by Thomas Butcher (q.v.). He lived at Blackmoor's Head over against Surrey Street in the Strand (c.1740-1) May's Buildings, Covent Garden (1745, 1749). Died in Richmond, Surrey, on 21 June 1771, leaving his property to his widow, Elizabeth; sale of his copper plates and rolling press advertised in the Public Advertiser, 9 January 1772.
Collaborated with his father, and many of their prints have not been properly identified; when there is any doubt, prints have been placed under George Bickham the Younger. (British Museum)
