The Opening of the Great Industrial Exhibition of all Nations, By Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria and His Royal Highness Prince Albert, on the 1st of May, 1851.
London: David Bogue. A proof plate taken from a sketch made on the spot by Cruikshank on the 1st May 1851. The view records the formal opening ceremony, looking down over the floor with the large crowd around Queen Victoria with the Archbishop offering a prayer of blessing. The print is inscribed to "J. T. Wilmore ARA with the best regards of George Cruikshank". The countries whose banners are visible include India, Persia, Egypt, Turkey & Greece. Wilmore was a member of the Royal Academy. The title continues "The View is taken from the South West Gallery, at the time when the Archbishop is offering up a Prayer for the Divine blessing upon the objects of this Great Exhibition." 44 x 33 cm (platemark) on paper 46 x 37 cm. Douglas 1433. (The Works of George Cruikshank: Classified and Arranged with References to Reid's Catalogue and Their Approximate Values (1903) by Richard Douglas.). Item #13899
Price: $2,000.00