Scene from the Beggar's Opera; Captain Macheath, Lucy and Polly

Engraved by E. Finden, Painted by G.S. Newton.
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Bibliographic Details
Main Creator: Finden, Edward Francis, 1791-1857, engraver
Contributors: Newton, Gilbert Stuart, 1794-1835, artist.
Summary:Engraving by by Edward Finden after an original painting by Gilbert Stuart Newton of a scene from the famous 1728 ballad opera by John Gay with music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch. Captain Macheath in Newgate prison, ankles fettered, sitting back carefree in his chair leaning on a table holding a glass in his left hand, the other at his breast, while Polly Peachum leans proprietorily on his shoulder, claiming him as her husband and smiling at Lucy Lockit, who sits at the other end of the table, hands clasped, rebuking Macheath for having promised to marry her. Two other women with babies and a third who is pregnant, who come to claim Macheath as their husband are visible waiting in the doorway in the right background; a man and a small dog are depicted in front of them. Scratched below the image with the title in open letters, a dedication from the engraver to the Marquis of Lansdowne around a crest with the motto 'Virtute non Verbis' and lettered: 'Painted by G.S. Newton, R.A. / Engraved by E. Finden. / Printed by McQueen. / London, Published Jany. 1. 1838, for the Proprietors, by F.G. Moon, Printseller by special appointment in ordinary to Her Majesty, 20, Threadneedle Street'.
Format: Prints & Drawings
Language:English
Published / Created: London: F.G. Moon, 20, Threadneedle Street, Jany. [January] 1, 1838.
Subjects:
Notes:Physical description: 1 engraving : ill. ; image 22.5 x 28.3 cm, platemark 32 x 36.5 cm, on sheet 37.2 x 41.7 cm.

Indexes: Finding aid available: NLI Manuscripts Collection List No. 153.

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