Item 21: Engraving of John Wilkes, unknown artist, [ca. 1768 March 28]

Item — Box: 6, Folder: 21

Staff Only

Engraving of John Wilkes, unknown artist, [ca. 1768 March 28]

Dates

Created: [ca. 1768 March 28]

Access:

All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.

Extent

1 items

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Type of Material:

Engraving

Condition Note:

Good.

Measurements:

7 ⅛ in. x 5 ½ in. {portrait}; 9 ¼ in. x 6 ½ in. {backing}

Title:

Jean Wilke: Elu Membre de Parlement pour le Comte de Middlesex 28 Mars 1768

Description:

This engraving of John Wilkes (1725-1797) depicts the man standing with his back supported by a stone wall. He is wearing a three-piece ensemble and holding a hat in his hand, along with a cane. There are two epigraphs in French at the top and bottom of the frame. The one at the top says, “Gravi [engraved] pour l’histoire d’Angleterre de Champigny,” which means roughly, Engraved for the history of England from Champigny, and the one at the bottom says, “John Wilkes Elu Membre de Parlement pour le Comte de Middlesex 28 Mars 1768,” which translates to John Wilkes Elected Member of Parliament for County of Middlesex March 28, 1768. The piece is not likely to be a satire or ridicule and is likely made by an individual sympathetic to Wilkes as evidenced by the favorable depiction. Wilkes’ notorious cross eye is greatly diminished and his features are youthful and refined. Information concerning the artist, engraver, or publisher is not available. The date for the item has been estimated by the date included in the epigraph on the item, March 28, 1768. This is the date of Wilkes’ election to Parliament.

Transcription:

Printed Text: (Top) Gravi [engraved] pour l’histoire d’Angleterre de Champigny

(Bottom)

John Wilkes Elu Membre de Parlement pour le Comte de Middlesex 28 Mars 1768

Translation Attempt:

Engraved for the history of England from Champigny

John Wilkes Elected Member of Parliament for County of Middlesex March 28, 1768