Description: A portrait print of Sir James MacDonald, aged 14 c.1754.A genuine antique handcoloured print taken from the remarkable "Costumes of the Clans", a book first published by the Sobieski brothers in 1845. The story of the brothers John and Charles is quite astonishing. They published two large volumes, "Vestiarium Scoticum" (1842), and "Costumes of the Clans" (1845) in an effort to establish a history of Scotland, and in particular clan tartans. Both books were dismissed by Hugh Trevor-Roper as "shot through with pure fantasy and bare-faced forgery." This fabrication did not end with their books: born John and Charles Allen, the pair claimed that they were the grandsons of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and changed their names to Charles and John Sobieski Stuart. Their story is worth following in greater detail. This portrait is based on a larger original portrait of Sir James and his brother Alexander which is in the National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh collection. Artist unknown. This portrait of James MacDonald is one of 7 prints from "Costumes of the Clans" I am offering on ebay. Each is remarkable for the lavish handcolouring which is original. I believe these are taken from the 1892 edition. Very scarce indeed, these images form an important, if fake, part of Scottish history. With the imprint bottom left "John Sobieski Del." Page 138, Plate XXVIII. This example is set in a most attractive mount. Size: the mount measures approx. 50cms x 44cms.Condition: The image is in a good condition, with wonderful bright handcolouring. It is set in a most attractive mount, with tartan surround and a thistle above. It would frame up beautifully. The sheet, which has wide margins may have been cut down a little. When the mount is lifted, there is a stain revealed and marks in the margins. These do not show when the mount is covering. Please study my photographs. Postage: best sent flat-packed. £5.00 within the UK, £15.00 to Europe, £23.00 to USA etc.I have other antique prints, books, maps etc. in my ebay shop - please see my other items.
Price: 48 GBP
Location: Fairlight, East Sussex
End Time: 2024-12-17T21:14:21.000Z
Shipping Cost: 28.81 GBP
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return postage will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
After receiving the item, your buyer should cancel the purchase within: 30 days
Artist: John & Charlers Sobieski Stuart
Image Orientation: Portrait
Size: Medium
Portrait of: Sir James MacDonald
Material: Etching/ Engraving
Item Length: 42cms
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Region of Origin: Edinburgh, Scotland
Framing: Unframed
Subject: Costumes, Scottish History
Type: Print
Year of Production: 1892
Original/ Repro: Original
Item Height: 57cms
Theme: Art, Cultures & Ethnicities, History, People, Portrait
Portrait after: The portrait of Sir James & Alexander MacDonald in the NGS
Features: Hand Tinted
Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
Culture: Scottish
Time Period Produced: 1850-1899
