Grosvenor Prints

With the BBC Proms concerts starting this evening and starting a summer of great music at London's Royal Albert Hall, we have highlighted portraits of some of the composers featured: Granted, none of Paganini's own compositions will be performed, but this evening's opening concert programs two works based on his themes (Rachmaninov's famous Rhapsody, aka the 'South Bank Show theme music' and Lutosławski's Variations ). This portrait, published immediately following a concert in London by Paganini, shows him in a suitably inspired and diabolic state: The Modern Orpheus, Opera House - June 3rd 1831. Sketches of the Musical World No.1, to be continued. London Published by Thos. Mc.Lean, June 10th. 1831, 26 Haymarket. Printed by C. Mott 70 St. Martin's Lane. Lithograph, sheet 355 x 295mm. 14 x 11½". Corners cut; small tears. Niccolo Paganini, Italian violinist whose virtuosity became a legend (1782-1840).  Publisher's blin...

To coincide with Radio 3's Baroque Spring season and the series of programmes on Baroque in Britain on Radio 4, a list of prints highlighting some of the great names and achievements of this style and period: King Charles I played a key role in bringing continental artists to Europe. During his reign the likes of Rubens and Orazio Gentileschi spent time in London executing major commissions. This engraving was made from van Dyck's famous 'triple portrait' of Charles (now in the Royal Collection), itself executed to send to Italy as the basis for a marble bust of Charles by another great baroque artist, Bernini: Charles The First, King of Great Britain, &c. &c. &c. Antonius Vandyck Eques pinxit. Aug.t 12.th 1817. W. Sharp, Member of the Imperial & Royal Academy of Vienna, sculpsit. London: Pub.d 1.st Feb.y, 1815 for the Select Work of Celebrated Portraits and Illustrious Characters, after Pictures of the Great Masters of the various Schools...

  The Foundling Hospital was established in London by the sea captain Thomas Coram, who had been 'shocked by the sight of infants exposed in the streets, abandoned by their parents, 'left to die on dung hills''. Coram's portrait was painted by his friend William Hogarth and presented to the hospital: Catn. Thos. Coram who after 17 Years unwearied application, obtained the Charter of the Foundling Hospital, To the Governors & Guardians of the Hospital, this Print is humbly dedicated by their obedient humble Servt. R. Cribb. W. Hogarth Pinxt. W. Nutter sculpt. London, Published Dec. 1. 1796, by R. Cribb, No.288 Holborn. Stipple, 580 x 405mm. 22¾ x 16". Light foxing, mostly marginal. One tear to lower margin. [Ref: 11732]   £160.00   (£192.00 incl.VAT) A founding Governor of the hospital was the barrister John Milner, who had a major influence on the development of the hospital. His portrait was painted by Thomas Huds...