1793 Coloured Engraving A Carriers Stable After George Morland

A rare proof-before-title print after George Morland’s ‘A Carrier’s Stable’ engraved by William Ward.

The print is a hand-coloured mezzotint and was published by Thomas Simpson of St Pauls Church Yard, London on April 9th 1793. It depicts an open barn, with a worker snoozing on a bale of hay. Behind him a young couple share a tender moment, whilst a horse and pony can be seen feasting obliviously from the trough.

George Morland (1763 -1804) was an English pastoral painter, best known for his depictions of the provincial middle classes. Beginning at the age of three, it took just seven years for him to exhibit at the Royal Academy. Perhaps a consequence of his father’s overbearing influence on his early years, Morland would lead a life of hard work and hard drinking. His prodigious output saw that by the end of his career he had painted over 4000 paintings. Many of these were used to settle debts with creditors or tabs in local taverns.

William Ward A.R.A. was married to Maria Morland, the sister of George. He was appointed engraver to the Duke of York in 1803 and to the Prince of Wales soon after.

Though showing a few creases and the usual age-related wear, the print is in fine condition with the colours retaining their original vibrancy. It has been backed with cardboard and protected with cellophane.

Size: 64 x 51cm (20” x 25½”)