Unknown, Empire & Service, 1883, Paper, Set of 6

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Victorian Vanity Fair Caricatures, Empire & Service, Set of Six, 1880s This distinguished set of six original Vanity Fair chromolithographs … Read more Victorian Vanity Fair Caricatures, Empire & Service, Set of Six, 1880s This distinguished set of six original Vanity Fair chromolithographs from the 1880s presents a compelling survey of Victorian Britain’s culture of service, leadership, and elite society. Drawn by leading Vanity Fair artists and printed by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, these full-length caricatures combine refined portraiture with gentle satire, capturing public figures whose careers spanned sport, the military, diplomacy, and landed society. Unified by format, scale, and palette, the group offers both decorative coherence and strong historical character. Note: The prints are offered unframed, enabling custom framing to personal or interior preferences. The set includes Mr Charles Bennet Lawes, depicted as “Athlete and Sculptor,” celebrated for his achievements in athletics and as a pioneering figure in British sport; Rear-Admiral Sir Anthony Hoskins KCB, shown under the caption “Naval Reserves,” reflecting his senior role in the Royal Navy and Britain’s maritime defence; and Lieutenant-Colonel Ralph Vivian, portrayed simply as “Ralph,” a figure of military professionalism and social confidence. Military tradition is further embodied by Lieutenant-General Charles Baring, shown as “An Old Coldstreamer,” evoking the prestige and continuity of the Coldstream Guards and Britain’s elite regiments. Diplomatic authority is represented by Sir Julian Pauncefote KCMG CB, captioned “The Foreign Office,” one of the most influential British diplomats of his generation and a key figure in international arbitration and Anglo-American relations. Completing the group is Mr Henry Reginald Corbet of Adderley Hall, depicted as “Born in the Scarlet,” a reference to aristocratic hunting culture and the rituals of the English country gentleman. Visually, the six prints form a harmonious ensemble. Pale grounds, controlled hand-colouring, and confident, individualized poses create a calm, architectural rhythm that works exceptionally well in refined interiors. Displayed together, the set reflects a distinctly Victorian ideal of duty, honour, and social distinction, making it particularly well suited to libraries, studies, club interiors, or luxury hospitality settings. Condition: Overall very good original condition. Light, even age toning throughout, with occasional small scattered spots or faint handling marks consistent with 19th-century paper. The chromolithographed images remain strong and unfaded, with no major tears, losses, or restorations observed. Margins are ample and suitable for framing. Framing tips: For an elevated and cohesive presentation, frame all six prints uniformly in dark walnut, ebonised wood, or antique-style gilt frames with generous ivory or warm off-white mounts. Museum or UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the original colouring. The set displays particularly well arranged in a balanced two-by-three grouping or as a linear sequence along a library or study wall. Keywords: Vanity Fair, Victorian caricature, antique prints, British Empire, military history, naval history, diplomacy, Coldstream Guards, Victorian society, chromolithograph, 19th century art, set of six, library decor, luxury interior Technique: Chromolithography Maker: Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, London, circa 1880s See less