| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | Thomas Cross |
| Published | [Printed by R. White, for Nathaniel Brooke, London, 1653] |
| Dimensions | Image 178 x135 mm, Sheet 204 x 135 mm |
| Notes |
A quarter-length portrait of Richard Saunders, turned to the right, wearing a fine cloak and lace collar with ribbon. Saunders is standing in his study near a window, a writing desk and a celestial globe to his right, and his family crest which features three elephants, hovers to the left of his head. Frontispiece to Saunders' "Physiognomie and Chiromancie, Metroscopie, The Symmetrical Proportions and Signal Moles of the Body", first published in London in 1653. Inscription to lower margin: "Art, and the Graver did in Councell sit, ... The Graver drew his face, and Art his Booke" Richard Saunders (1613-c. 1687) was an English chiromancer, who wanted to legitimise it as a science. He published several works, his first "Physiognomie and Chiromancie, Metroscopie" being mostly a translation of Jean Belot's "Les Oeuvres". Ten years later, in 1663, Saunders published "Palmistry, the Secrets thereof Disclosed" in which he states that a chiromancer must not only be a good observer, have a good memory, be honest and discreet, but also have knowledge of astrology, philosophy, mathematics and linguistics. Alongside chiromany, he was also a respected astrologer and even published a book on practical physics. Thomas Cross (fl. 1632-1682) was a British engraver, best known for his production of many copper engraved portraits. Hind 81. Condition: Strong impression. Trimmed to image and just below inscription, laid to album page. Two small holes to crest top left. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £150.00 |
| Stock ID | 46050 |