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Thomas Kirk & Richard Westall

Thomas Kirk - The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve The Poetical Works of John Milton

Paradise Lost: The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve (The Poetical Works of John Milton)

Thomas Kirk's original stipple engraving "Paradise Lost: The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve" is a 'First Edition Impression' based upon a design by Richard Westall for John & Josiah Boydell's "The Poetical Works of John Milton" published in 1795. This stipple contains the engraver's name, "This. Kirk Sculpt.", the designer's name, "R. Westall, R. A. delt.", title, "Paradise Lost. B.7.L.535", which means Book 7, Line 535 of Milton's Paradise Lost) and publisher's details "Publish'd June 4, 1795 by J. & J. Boydell & G. Nicol, Shakspeare Gallery, Pall Mall; & No. 90, Cheapside." printed below the image. A Note on Paradise Lost: Such masterworks as Paradise Lost, Samson Agonistes and Comus place John Milton (British, 1608 - 1674) as England's greatest poet. Paradise Lost was first published in 1667. It is Milton's great epic poem, composed in twelve books. This original stipple engraving created by Thomas Kirk illustrates the Seventh Book. In the First Book Satan revolts and is driven from Heaven with his legions. He establishes his palace in Hell. In Book Two Satan and his angels debate as to whether to wage another battle against Heaven but instead decide to examine a newly created world (Eden) with its new creatures. God's greatest creations of first Adam and then Eve take place in the Garden of Eden several books later. This original Thomas Kirk stipple engraving illustrates the important lines of Book Seven when, at the request of Adam, the Angel Raphael is sent to explain God's creation of the world and of man and woman.
 
 
Title: Paradise Lost: The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve
Engraver: Kirk, Thomas (London, Died, 1797)
Designer: Westall, Richard (Hertford, 1765 - London, 1836)
Date: 1795
Medium: Original Stipple Engraving
Publisher J. & J. Boydell & G. Nicol, Shakspeare Gallery, Pall Mall; & No. 90, Cheapside
Source: The Poetical Works of John Milton
Note: Thomas Kirk: An English painter and engraver, Thomas Kirk studied art in London under Richard Cosway. He exhibited his art annually at the Royal Academy from 1785 to 1796. Thomas Kirk's most famous engravings were based upon either his own design or the designs of Angelica Kauffmann, Richard Westall or Sir Joshua Reynolds. Thomas Kirk's last great works were his stipple engravings for Boydell's, The Poetical Works of John Milton. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London includes an impression of this Thomas Kirk's stipple engraving entitled, Paradise Lost in its permanent collection, No.E.285.287-1941.
  Richard Westall: After attending the Royal Academy schools in London (1785), Richard Westall devoted himself to history and landscape subjects. He was an early practitioner of the watercolour medium and many publishers of illustrated books soon sought his designs for publication of illustrated editions of Gray, Moore, Crabbe and other poets of the day. During the 1790's he was commissioned by Boydell to work upon both the Milton and Shakespeare sets. Richard Westall was elected an Associate of the prestigious Royal Academy in 1792 and a full Academician in 1794. In the 1820's he was appointed the drawing master to then Princess Victoria.
  John Boydell is easily one of England's most remarkable 18th century personalities. Born in poverty, he began his career as an at best mediocre engraver of small book plates. At this time England was at a very low ebb as a serious centre for the visual arts (particularly engraving) and Boydell sought to eradicate this situation by beginning a second career as a publisher of fine prints. Modest initial experiments in the 1760's led to a rapid expansion of his business and during the 1770's he published his striking series of mezzotint engravings, Liber Veritas, engraved by Richard Earlom after the drawings of Claude Lorrain. This ambitious undertaking put England back on the printmaking map and was a huge financial success for John Boydell.
  Boydell had now established London as a major centre for the arts and this once poor and struggling engraver/publisher was acknowledged for his efforts by being elected no less than Lord Mayor of London, in 1791. The same year marked the beginning of Boydell's most grandiose undertaking. His new publishing establishment in Pall Mall, the 'Shakspeare Gallery', began by commissioning the most esteemed painters and engravers in the country to create and design large and expensive engravings based upon the plays and life of William Shakespeare. By this time as well John Boydell's nephew, Josiah Boydell (1752-1817), had joined the firm.
  This monumental venture continued until Boydell's death thirteen years later. By that time, The Shakespeare Gallery had created and published one hundred and seventy engravings on a grand scale. Alas, the expenses for this vast project had been so large that England's foremost publisher of art ended his life the way he began, dying penniless.
  At this time England's other great literary giant, John Milton, was honoured by Boydell. The Poetical Works of John Milton was published in three parts in 1794, 1795 and 1797. Sparing no expense, Boydell commissioned George Romney to design a portrait plate and Richard Westall to design images illustrating each part of Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained as well as the more famous individual poems. The engravers included Richard Earlom, Thomas Kirk, J. P. Simon, Benjamin Smith, M. Haughton, Dutterau and John Ogborne.
  Unlike the Shakespeare engravings, the Milton prints were constructed almost solely in the stipple technique. Stippling reached its golden age in late eighteenth century England. The technique was promoted and taught by Francesco Bartolozzi (Florence, Italy, 1727 - Lisbon, Portugal, 1815). Many of the above mentioned engravers were among his finest students. Briefly, stippling was a tonal method where the image was created not with solid lines but with a multitude of dots or flicks. Under a master's hand, stippling magnificently captured tonal values by contrasting areas of light and shade. Unfortunately it was most laborious and quickly became extinct with advances in aquatint engraving in the early nineteenth century. Yet to this day some of the most subtle and sensual engravings in the history of British art belong to the stipple engravers of the late eighteenth century.
Edition: As one can easily see, the stipple engravings for Boydell's The Poetical Works of John Milton are masterpieces of their kind. In both design and technique they easily surpass the larger Shakespeare prints one usually associates with John Boydell and his artists. The following two original stipple engravings, Paradise Lost: The Temptation of Eve by Thomas Kirk. and Paradise Lost: The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve by Thomas Kirk are superb examples of the late 18th century British art created for this set.
Note:

A Note on Paradise Lost: Such masterworks as Paradise Lost, Samson Agonistes and Comus place John Milton (British, 1608 - 1674) as England's greatest poet. Paradise Lost was first published in 1667. It is Milton's great epic poem, composed in twelve books. The title, "Paradise Lost. B.7.L.535" indicates this engraving is an illustration for Book 7, Line 535 of Milton's Paradise Lost from Boydell's set. This original stipple engraving created by Thomas Kirk illustrates the Seventh Book. In the First Book Satan revolts and is driven from Heaven with his legions. He establishes his palace in Hell. In Book Two Satan and his angels debate as to whether to wage another battle against Heaven but instead decide to examine a newly created world (Eden) with its new creatures. God's greatest creations of first Adam and then Eve take place in the Garden of Eden several books later. This original Thomas Kirk stipple engraving illustrates the important lines of Book Seven when, at the request of Adam, the Angel Raphael is sent to explain God's creation of the world and of man and woman. According to Raphael, God commanded,

Let us make now Man in our image, Man
In our similitude; and let them rule
Over the fish, and fowl, of sea and air,
Beast of the field, and over all the earth,
And every creeping thing that creeps the ground.
This said, he form'd thee, Adam, thee, O man,
Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breathed
The breath of life; in his own image he
Created thee, in the image of God
Express, and thou becamest a living soul.
Male he created thee; but thy consort
Female, for race; then bles'd mankind, and said,
Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth;
Subdue it, and throughout dominion hold
Over fish of the sea, and fowl of the air,
And every living thing that moves on the earth,
Wherever thus created, for no place
Is yet distinct by name. Thence, as thou know'st,
He brought thee into this delicious grove,
This garden, planted with the trees of God,
Delectable both to behold and taste;
And freely all their pleasant fruit for food
Gave thee; all sorts are here that all the earth yields,
Variety without end; but of the tree,
Which tasted, works knowledge of good and evil,
Thou may'st not; in the day thou eat'st, thou diest;
Death is the penalty imposed; beware,
And govern well thy appetite, lest Sin
Surprise thee, and her black attendant, Death.

Thus the seeds are sown early for the fall of Adam and Eve and for their expulsion from Paradise.

Size: 9 7/8 X 6 1/8 (Sizes in inches are approximate, height preceding width of plate-mark or image.)
  Framed and Matted with 100% Archival Materials
  View larger Framed Image
  The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve Original Engraving by Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall
Condition: Printed upon thick Whatman wove paper and with large, full margins as published by John and Josiah Boydell in Pall Mall in 1795. It contains the engraver's name, "Thos. Kirk Sculpt.", the designer's name, "R. Westall, R. A. delt.", title, "Paradise Lost. B.7.L.535", and publisher's details "Publish'd June 4, 1795 by J. & J. Boydell & G. Nicol, Shakspeare Gallery, Pall Mall; & No. 90, Cheapside." printed below the image. Containing slight foxing and staining in the outer margins (under the matte) and a faint crease running through the lower right corner of the engraving else a rich, early impression and in excellent condition throughout. This original stipple engraving The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve represents a superb example of late eighteenth century British art.
Price: Sold - The price is no longer available.
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Original Stipple Engraving by the British artist, Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall.

The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve Original Engraving by the British artist Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall for John Boydell's set The Poetical Works of John Milton
Paradise Lost: The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve (The Poetical Works of John Milton)

View other original works of art by Thomas Kirk.

Thomas Kirk (London, Died, 1797)
# Image Title & Artist Medium Date -
01.- Paradise Lost The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve by Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall Paradise Lost: The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve by Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Sold
02.- Paradise Lost The Temptation of Eve by Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall Paradise Lost: The Temptation of Eve by Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Sold

View other original engravings published by John and Josiah Boydell for "The Poetical Works of John Milton".

The Poetical Works of John Milton
Designed by Richard Westall
# Image Title & Engraver Engraver Info Medium Date -
01.- Comus Sabrina Releasing the Lady from her Spell by John Ogborne designed by Richard Westall Comus: Sabrina Releasing the Lady from her Spell by John Ogborne John Ogborne (Chelmsford, 1755 - London, 1837) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 Available
02.- - Comus: The Forest Scene by Benjamin Smith Benjamin Smith (London, 1754 - 1833) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 --
03.- - Comus: The Temptation Scene by Benjamin Smith Benjamin Smith (London, 1754 - 1833)
& Benjamin Duterrau (1767 - 1851)
Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 --
04.- - Elegia Quinta by Thomas Kirk Thomas Kirk (London, Died, 1797) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 --
05.- Hymn to the Nativity Poetical Works of John Milton engraved by Jean Pierre Simon designed by Richard Westall Hymn to the Nativity by Jean Pierre Simon Jean Pierre Simon, 'John Peter Simon' (London, 1750 - Paris, c. 1810) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 Available
06.- - Il Penseroso by John Ogborne John Ogborne (Chelmsford, 1755 - London, 1837) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 --
07.- John Milton On the Death of a Fair Infant by Benjamin Smith On the Death of a Fair Infant by Benjamin Smith Benjamin Smith (London, 1754 - 1833) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1794 Available
08.- - L'Allegro by Thomas Kirk Thomas Kirk (London, Died, 1797) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 --
09.- Lycidas by Benjamin Smith designed by Richard Westall Lycidas (A poem by John Milton), by Benjamin Smith Benjamin Smith (London, 1754 - 1833) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 Available
10.- - Milton and his two Daughters by Benjamin Smith Benjamin Smith (London, 1754 - 1833) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1797 --
11.- Paradise Lost Adam and Eve Banished by Benjamin Smith Paradise Lost: Adam and Eve Banished from Paradise by Benjamin Smith Benjamin Smith (London, 1754 - 1833) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Available
12.- Paradise Lost Adam Awakening Eve by Richard Earlom after Richard Westall Paradise Lost: Adam Awakening Eve by Richard Earlom Richard Earlom (London, 1743 - 1822) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1794 Sold
13.- Paradise Lost Death Leaving the Gates of Hell for the World of Man by John Ogborne designed by Richard Westall Paradise Lost: Death Leaving the Gates of Hell for the World of Man by John Ogborne John Ogborne (Chelmsford, 1755 - London, 1837) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Available
14.- Paradise Lost Eve in the Garden of Eden by Richard Earlom after Richard Westall Paradise Lost: Eve in the Garden of Eden by Richard Earlom Richard Earlom (London, 1743 - 1822) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Sold
15.- Paradise Lost Messiah Routs Satan and his Angels by Luigi Schiavonetti designed by Richard Westall Paradise Lost: Messiah Routs Satan and his Angels by Luigi Schiavonetti Luigi Schiavonetti (Bassano, Italy, 1765 - London, 1810) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1794 Sold
16.- Paradise Lost Satan Alarmed Poetical Works of John Milton engraved by Jean Pierre Simon designed by Richard Westall Paradise Lost: Satan Alarmed by Jean Pierre Simon Jean Pierre Simon, 'John Peter Simon' (London, 1750 - Paris, c. 1810) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1794 Available
17.- - Paradise Lost: Satan at the Gates of Hell by Jean Pierre Simon Jean Pierre Simon, 'John Peter Simon' (London, 1750 - Paris, c. 1810) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1794 --
18.- - Paradise Lost: Satan Awakening His Legions by Jean Pierre Simon Jean Pierre Simon, 'John Peter Simon' (London, 1750 - Paris, c. 1810) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1794 --
19.- Paradise Lost The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve by Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall Paradise Lost: The Angel Raphael Relates The Story of Creation to Adam and Eve by Thomas Kirk Thomas Kirk (London, Died, 1797) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Sold
20.- Paradise Lost The Temptation of Eve by Thomas Kirk designed by Richard Westall Paradise Lost: The Temptation of Eve by Thomas Kirk Thomas Kirk (London, Died, 1797) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Sold
21.- Paradise Regained Christ and Satan Dispute the Value of Earthly Glory by William Satchwell Leney designed by Riichard Westall Paradise Regained: Christ and Satan Dispute the Value of Earthly Glory. by William Satchwell Leney William Satchwell Leney (London, 1769 - Longue Pointe (Montreal), Canada, 1831) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Available
22.- Paradise Regained Christ in the Wilderness by Moses Haughton Junior Paradise Regained: Christ in the Wilderness by Moses Haughton Junior Moses Haughton, Junior (Wednesbury, Staffordshire, c. 1772 - London, 1848) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Available
23.- Paradise Regained The Fall of Satan by Benjamin Smith Paradise Regained: The Fall of Satan by Benjamin Smith Benjamin Smith (London, 1754 - 1833) Original Stipple Engraving 'First Edition Impression 1795 Available

Portraits of John Milton (England, 1608 - 1674)
# Image Title & Artist Artist Info Medium Publisher Date -
01.- John Milton Age 21 by William Nelson Gardiner John Milton, Age 21 by William Nelson Gardiner William Nelson Gardiner (Dublin, 1766 - London, 1814) Original Stipple Engraving and Etching John and Josiah Boydell & George Nicol, London 1794 Sold
02.- John Milton Age 62 by William Nelson Gardiner John Milton, Age 62 by William Nelson Gardiner William Nelson Gardiner (Dublin, 1766 - London, 1814) Original Stipple Engraving and Etching John and Josiah Boydell & George Nicol, London 1794  
03.- Portrait of John Milton as a Child by Giovanni Battista Cipriani Portrait of John Milton as a Child by Giovanni Battista Cipriani Giovanni Battista Cipriani (Florence, Italy, 1727 - London (Hammersmith), 1785) Original Etching Thomas Hollis (J. & J. Boydell & G. Nicol Edition, 1794) 1760  
04.- Portrait of John Milton as a Young Man by Giovanni Battista Cipriani Portrait of John Milton as a Young Man by Giovanni Battista Cipriani Giovanni Battista Cipriani (Florence, Italy, 1727 - London (Hammersmith), 1785) Original Etching Thomas Hollis (J. & J. Boydell & G. Nicol Edition, 1794) 1760  
05.- Portrait of John Milton in Old Age by Giovanni Battista Cipriani Portrait of John Milton in Old Age by Giovanni Battista Cipriani Giovanni Battista Cipriani (Florence, Italy, 1727 - London (Hammersmith), 1785) Original Etching Thomas Hollis (J. & J. Boydell & G. Nicol Edition, 1794) 1760  
06.- Portion of a Shield in Silver by Vechte for Hunt and Roskell of London by John Alfred Vinter Portion of a Shield (John Milton dictating his epic poem, "Paradise Lost", to his daughter.) by John Alfred Vinter John Alfred Vinter (London, 1828 - 1905) Original Lithograph Day & Son, London 1852  

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