YCBA Collections Search

Lettered lower center: "In humble & grateful Acknowledgment | of the Grace & Goodness of the Legislature | Manifested | In the Act of Parliament for the Encouragement | of the Arts of Designing Engraving &c. ; | Obtain'd | by the Endeavours & almost at the Sole Expense | of the designer of this Print in the Year 1735: | By which | not only the Professors of those Arts were rescued | from the Tyranny Frauds & Piracies | of Monopolising Dealers | and Legally entitled to the Fruits of their own Labours, | but Genius & Industry were also prompted | by y'e most noble & generous Inducements to exert them'selves. | Emulation was Excited. | Ornamental Compositions were better understood, | and every Manufacture where Fancy has any concern | was gradually rais'd to a pitch of perfection before unknown, | Insomuch that those of Great Britain | art at present the most Elegant | and the most in Esteem of any in Europe. | Rec'd of 15 s. being the first Payment | for three Prints, representing the Polling for Members of Parliament, Canvassing for Votes & | Chairing y'e Members; which I Promis to deliver when finished on y'e Payment of 16 s. & 6 d. more. | N.B. The Price will be rais'd when the Subscription is over.".