| Method | Stipple and etching |
| Artist | George Perfect Harding after Thomas Gainsborough |
| Published | [c. 1803] |
| Dimensions | Image 100 x 150 mm, Sheet 127 x 160 mm |
| Notes |
From Kirby's Wonderful and Eccentric Museum, or, Magazine of Remarkable characters. On the left, a portrait oval of the inventor John Joseph Merlin after Thomas Gainsborough; and to the right, a mechanical chariot designed by Merlin, and decorated with vignettes relating to Merlin the Magician. John-Joseph Merlin (1735 - 1803) was an eccentric Belgian inventor and horologist. Born in the city of Huy, he created Merlin's Mechanical Museum to display his machines. He was also responsible for the Silver Swan automaton now on display at the Bowes Museum. He worked in Paris and later in London. George Perfect Harding (1780 - 1853) was a British miniaturist, draughtsman and lithographer. Like his father, Sylvester Harding, he mainly painted water-colour copies of historical portraits. He exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1802 and 1840. He was elected a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 1839. After his death, a large collection of his works was donated to the print room of the British Museum. Condition: Upper left and right corners, and lower left corner missing. Some very light foxing. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £45.00 |
| Stock ID | 34818 |