A Schizzo On The Genius Of Man: In Which, Among Various Subjects, The Merit Of Mr. Thomas Barker, The Celebrated Young Painter Of Bath, Is Particularly Considered, And His Pictures Reviewed. By The Author Of An Excursion From Paris To Fontainbleau For the Benefit of the Bath Casualty Hospital.
RA Collection: Book
Record number
05/2448
Imprint
Bath,: Printed By R. Cruttwell; And Sold By G. G. J. and J. Robinson, Pater-Noster-Row, London; And All The Booksellers In Bath:, 1793.
The frontispiece and the plate are signed as engraved by G. Steart.
The work is dedicated by Edward Harington to Walter Long of South-Wraxall, Wiltshire.
References
ESTC, T112495
I. MacCallum, Thomas Barker of Bath: the artist and his circle (2003)
S. Sloman, 'Artists' picture rooms in eighteenth-century Bath', in Bath History, 6 (1996), p.132-53
S. Sloman, 'Barker and Gainsborough', in Bath Museum news, 24 (1992 Spring), p.5 The Barkers of Bath [exhibition catalogue] (1986)
P. Tayler and A. Babbidge, Benjamin and Thomas Barker, artists of Pontypool [exhibition catalogue] (1982)
M. Twyman, 'Thomas Barker's lithographic stones', in Journal of the Printing Historical Society, 13-14 (1977-8), p.1-32.
Summary Note
The author of this appreciation was, as the Dedication makes clear, Sir Edward Harington (1754-1807). After a lengthy consideration of creative ability, he praises the work of Thomas Barker, who was born at Trosnant, Pontypool, came to Bath with his parents in 1783, and taught himself painting by copying works in the possession of the businessman Charles Spackman. Barker afterwards became a pioneer in the art of lithography.
The folding, captioned frontispiece shows two seated figures, and two standing men looking at two paintings displayed on chairs, one telling the other that he will not have 'such a glorious moon in Wales! no, Sir you must come to England to be enlightened'.
Reproductions
An electronic reproduction was published in 2003 (Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale). A microfilm version was published in 1983 (WoodbridgeCT: Research Publications).
Copy Note
The half-title verso is inscribed in ink in an unknown hand, 'Not many. Copies Printed.'
Binding Note
19th-century half calf, marbled-papered boards; rebacked in 20th century, retaining earlier spine-piece; gilt-decorated spine, black morocco spine-labels lettered 'A Schizzo On The Merit Of Mr. T. Barker' and 'Bath - 1793 R.A.'
Artists - Painters - Great Britain - Bath - History - 18th century
Genius (creative ability)
Essays - Art criticism - Biography - Great Britain - 18th century