hand colored copper engraving by R. B. Harraden & R. W. Smart
copper engraving, hand colored, title "The West Front of the New Building-St. John's College." The colored part is 5" tall, and it is 6" measuring from the top of the color to the bottom including the name on the bottom. The colored part is 8" wide, approx 8 1/4" including a very thin strip of white paper. The pictures do not show the vividness of the colors and intricate details of both the coloring and engraving. R. B. Harraden del (! or ?) is printed in the lower left of the engraving and R. W. Smart sculp (! or ?) is printed in the lower right corner. .
Hand written note of attesting to the genuineness of the piece by Jane Pain Gallery on the back. See pics for details. I purchased the item in a thrift store.
Gallery/Dealer
Yes
Dear Jeff,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. Here is a description along with an estimate of your plate.
The appraised item is a copper engraving with hand coloring. This is by the engraver Robert William Smart after Richard Banks Harraden. Cambridge 1820.
It depicts one of the most picturesque and interesting edifices in the University of Cambridge, UK.
Richard Bankes Harraden (British 1778-1862) was a painter, watercolorist, draughtsman, and engraver. During his lifetime in Cambridge, he produced landscapes and architectural views such as your work. With his father Richard Harraden (1756-1838) he produced twenty-four engraved plates of Cambridge for 'Cantabrigia depicta' (Cambridge: Harraden and Sons, 1809-10).
Robert William Smart (1792- c.1832) was an engraver and printer.
This copper engraving appears to be in good condition.
The estimation in red is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary.
Best regard,
Karine
