DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.73058#0080
Bartolo^i and his Works.
CHAPTER XIV.
Increase in Value of Bartolozzi's Prints.
A 7\kV" o' those best qualified to judge, hold the opinion—fully shared
-by the writer—that uncut examples of the more important
prints of Bartolozzi and his school, which—owing greatly to the reckless
practice of trimming the margins for close framing—are rapidly becoming absorbed
and scarce, will bring before long much higher prices than now prevail. All things
which are at once prized greatly, and inevitably limited in numbers, increase in market
value owing to the competition among those who desire to possess them. But when the
competition is greatly increased by the multiplication of those admirers; when, more-
over, taste and fancy take the form of an enthusiasm; and when the things cannot be
forged or imitated,—then we have three strong additional reasons for a rise in value.
The limitation of numbers in the case of Bartolozzi's prints is of course evident; and
their quantities are not only limited, they are very small. His stippled copperplates,
for instance, yielded only four to six hundred impressions, the softer coppers giving out
at the smaller number. Nor can his prints be ever successfully imitated; for re-engraving
—besides being an undertaking of immense cost—could hardly be accomplished in
Bartolozzi's manner by any living engraver.
Bartolozzi's etchings and line engravings, more especially those of a somewhat severe
type, which do not lend themselves readily to decorative purposes, are worth consider-
ably less than when published.* But his numerous allegorical and fancy subjects—in the
* Vide writer's sale catalogue, p. 202, lots 4 and 5: proof of "The Silence" and a fine print of "Clytie"
realized but eleven shillings. There being no bid for the first, the two lots were sold together.
idea of a great many persons constituting all that he ever engraved—now fetch fancy
prices, the tendency being constantly upwards; really fine and pleasing examples of his
stippled prints, especially, have not seen their highest prices. After Bartolozzi died, his
prints went gradually out of fashion; and for very many years all kinds could be bought
of the printsellers at from 6d, or less, to 2s. 6d. each, the latter sum being considered a
60 high
CHAPTER XIV.
Increase in Value of Bartolozzi's Prints.
A 7\kV" o' those best qualified to judge, hold the opinion—fully shared
-by the writer—that uncut examples of the more important
prints of Bartolozzi and his school, which—owing greatly to the reckless
practice of trimming the margins for close framing—are rapidly becoming absorbed
and scarce, will bring before long much higher prices than now prevail. All things
which are at once prized greatly, and inevitably limited in numbers, increase in market
value owing to the competition among those who desire to possess them. But when the
competition is greatly increased by the multiplication of those admirers; when, more-
over, taste and fancy take the form of an enthusiasm; and when the things cannot be
forged or imitated,—then we have three strong additional reasons for a rise in value.
The limitation of numbers in the case of Bartolozzi's prints is of course evident; and
their quantities are not only limited, they are very small. His stippled copperplates,
for instance, yielded only four to six hundred impressions, the softer coppers giving out
at the smaller number. Nor can his prints be ever successfully imitated; for re-engraving
—besides being an undertaking of immense cost—could hardly be accomplished in
Bartolozzi's manner by any living engraver.
Bartolozzi's etchings and line engravings, more especially those of a somewhat severe
type, which do not lend themselves readily to decorative purposes, are worth consider-
ably less than when published.* But his numerous allegorical and fancy subjects—in the
* Vide writer's sale catalogue, p. 202, lots 4 and 5: proof of "The Silence" and a fine print of "Clytie"
realized but eleven shillings. There being no bid for the first, the two lots were sold together.
idea of a great many persons constituting all that he ever engraved—now fetch fancy
prices, the tendency being constantly upwards; really fine and pleasing examples of his
stippled prints, especially, have not seen their highest prices. After Bartolozzi died, his
prints went gradually out of fashion; and for very many years all kinds could be bought
of the printsellers at from 6d, or less, to 2s. 6d. each, the latter sum being considered a
60 high