Catalog Archive
Auction 128, Lot 912

"[Heraldry] To the Right Honourable Elizabeth, Countess of Northumberland, in her Own Right Baroness Percy; Lucy; Poynings, Fitz-Payn, Bryan & Latimer…", Edmondson, Joseph

Subject: Prints Heraldry

Period: 1764-84 (circa)

Publication: Baronagium Genealogium

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.3 x 16.5 inches
51.6 x 41.9 cm
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This extraordinary double-folio page presents the heraldry of Elizabeth Smithson. The large double page sheet carries over 140 of "her Arms, Quarterings, Crest & Badge, Engraved at her expense, & given as an addition to this Work." Full portraits to the sides, one of Joceline de Lovain in full armor with a lion on his shield, and on the right is Agnes de Percy holding one of the family crests. Plate number 267 is at upper right. This plate is unusual in that it has Edmonson's name and title "Mombray Herald Extra" engraved after the dedication to Elizabeth. On a full 27 x 21.3" sheet.

This engraving is from Joseph Edmondson’s huge five volume "Baronagium Genealogium, or the Pedigrees of the English Peers deduced from earliest times" which is considered as one of the most beautifully illustrated and comprehensive records of 18th century Heraldry. Some of Europe’s finest artists were hired to engrave these coats-of-arms of notables of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Edmondson started as a coach painter, but his fine artistic talent for painting coats-of-armor on carriages soon developed into separate work from English nobility. This led him to a serious study of heraldry and genealogy, and in 1764, the College of Arms named him Mowbray Herald Extraordinary.

References:

Condition: A

The image is fine with original color and strong impression on a large sheet with wide margins. Two marginal tears at right, expertly closed on verso.

Estimate: $350 - $450

Sold for: $250

Closed on 5/20/2009

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