A Collection of Seven Drawings by Alken, Henry - 1815-1830

London, 1815-1830. Half Calf. Paper pastedown on boards. . Fine. A handsome modern binding of seven original Alken drawings. Elephantine oblong, 35 by 50 cm. The drawings themselves are laid in a heavy board frame within the binding, and this frame has a window of 25 by 36 cm. The drawings themselves are laid on paper, and this paper is exposed, creating a margin all around, of not quite 2 cm. The drawings are titled: "Swell and the Surrey, No. 1", "Swell and the Surrey No. 2", "Drawing the Long Bow", "Drawing a Horse", "A Cabbage Leaf Galloper", "In Such a Scene as This", and "Rider Unshipped". Most relate to riding and equestrian sports, but "Drawing the Long Bow" depicts men drinking and playing cards. Generally the scenes have a touch of humor and levity, although one can not say they are all caricature or intended to be funny. While one can find some sketchiness here and there, overall the drawings come off as satisfying works that can stand on their own -- in other words, they are closer to being finished than tentative works in progress. Bringing coherence to the group is an esprit of quintessential Alken. The modern binding is handsome and worthy of the contents. Leather title label on front board.