Set of Nine Pen-and-Ink Illustrations for the Celebrated Punch Magazine, 1865 and 1870, on "1866 Joynson" watermarked paper by Tenniel, Sir John

Nine Pen-and-Ink Humorous Illustrations for "Punch," each is on a sheet, 28 by 25 cm, with the illustration proper being approx. 20 by 17 cm. Dates for when the illustrations appeared in "Punch" are written in pencil in a lower corner for all but two. Five of the cartoons appeared in 1865, two, in 1870, and the final two, unknown. We have confirmed that indeed these cartoons did appear in the issue cited, with the final printing showing subtle changes from these examples. The illustrations depict a world of virtuous maidens, exotic rulers from far-off lands, absurd politicians, aloof goddesses, man0children (well-known personages depicted as children with oversized heads) and other clownish characters, etc. A frequent subject of caricature was Louis Napoleon, who was in the latter phase of his reign, or the Second Empire, his moustache and angular features about as low lying fruit as can be had in caricature. Also shown here, is Bismarck, Napoleon (the First). Tenniel is unquestionably best known today for his illustrations to the Alice books, which have never been surpassed, but he was a prolific cartoonist of his day, and Punch was his most important vehicle, and he was its dominant artist at the time. These drawings are unsigned, and are most definitely images that appear in Punch by Tenniel. However, since Tenniel was known to do much of his drafting work in pencil, we think it likely that Tenniel may not have executed these pen-and-ink renderings first-hand, although they were off his designs. Specifically, the Dalziel Brothers may have had a hand in these renderings. Even if that were the case, these are not printed, and they all are done with consummate skill. The sheets are loose, and the watermark "1866, Joynson" appears in the paper. A touch of light wear and soiling. Very Good.