PRODIGAL’S RETURN 1842 John Henry Robinson - Leonello Spada ANTIQUE ENGRAVING

Original 1842 6 1/8 inch x 4 1/2 inch engraving titled THE PRODIGAL’S RETURN.

The prodigal son, a young man, seen half-length, dressed in rags, his hands folded on his chest, stands before his father, who embraces him.

Engraved by John Henry Robinson (1796 - 1871). Line, stipple and occasional mezzotint engraver from Bolton. Apprenticed to James Heath between 1814-1818. Set up initially as a book-illustrator. Engraved portraits and prints after popular contemporary painters, e.g. Landseer. Fought a long battle to win respect from the RA as a line-engraver 1826-1855. Eventually elected ARA in 1856. Exhibited 5 works at RA. Became a Justice of the Peace for Sussex in his later years in Petworth.

After Leonello Spada (1576 - 1622). An Italian painter of the Baroque period, active in Rome and his native city of Bologna, where he became known as one of the followers of Caravaggio.

From ‘Fisher’s Drawing Room Scrap-Book’ published by Fisher, Son & Co., Newgate Street, London & 108, Rue St. Honore, Paris.

Page size 10 3/4 inch x 8 3/8 inch

The engraving is in very good condition with minor foxing in the white border. Reverse side blank.