1809 Hand-Colored Engraving Spanish Courier by William Bradford Framed Antique Military Print From British Campaign in Spain

Details

Description

This is an original hand-colored engraving titled Spanish Courier, from Rev. William Bradford’s important 1809 publication: Sketches of the Country, … Read more This is an original hand-colored engraving titled Spanish Courier, from Rev. William Bradford’s important 1809 publication: Sketches of the Country, Character, and Costume in Portugal and Spain. The artwork was created during the British Army’s campaign in the Peninsular War and published in London by J. Booth on June 1, 1809.

The plate features detailed stippling and line engraving, attributed to engraver I. Clark and artist Rev. Wm. Bradford (“del.”), both credited in the lower corners. It is professionally framed with a triple-lined acid-neutral mat, gold-beaded liner, and a dark mahogany wood frame.

Framed dimensions: approx. 25" W x 22" H
Visible image area: approx. 15.5" W x 11.5" H

Condition: Scattered foxing and yellowing consistent with age. The frame shows minor surface wear. Please see close-up photos for details.

Why it’s special:
This is not a reproduction. It is a period-original hand-colored engraving published in 1809 and documented in Tooley’s English Books with Coloured Plates, 1790–1860 (p.112). The subject—a Spanish courier on horseback—offers a rare visual glimpse into the Peninsular War and the military campaigns of the early 19th century. Works from this series are highly sought after by collectors of Napoleonic-era military history, antique prints, and English color-plate books. See less