George Bickham 18th Century English Song Music Engraving Melancholy

The Melancholy Nymph
9 by 14 1/4 inches
BIC209 $145

We are delighted to offer prints from this very rare work, with original copper engravings of English songs set to music by such luminaries as Handel, Purcell, Haydn, Corelli & others. Prints from this work are rarely offered and we were fortunate to find a fragment which has been professionally restored by an English expert, and then beautifully hand colored.

This superb series of engraved musical pieces was first published in parts of four plates each and issued fortnightly between 1737 and 1739. Each print is headed by a charming engraved vignette with scenes of contemporary life illustrative of the song, in a mature rococo style, some in the French manner after Watteau.

It is Bickham’s masterpiece & the first work of its type in England. Many more followed this initial resounding success. We are particularly pleased to present this ancient work, with music written by such great musicians as Handel & published during his lifetime. We do consider it eminently suitable for the date as there are many beautiful love songs.