What is the estimated value of this John Thane engraving?

This late 18th-century copperplate engraving by John Thane, depicting Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, has an estimated market value of $75 to $125. This valuation reflects its authenticity as an antique print from the 'British Autography' series, adjusted downward due to moderate to heavy foxing. The estimate is based on specialist knowledge of the antiquarian print market, considering the lack of direct comparable sales for this specific plate.

What era is this Thomas Howard portrait print from?

This engraving is from the late 18th century, specifically circa 1790, as part of John Thane's 'British Autography' series which was published between 1788 and 1793. While the subjects, Thomas Howard and Lord Maltravers, lived in the 17th century, the print itself is an 18th-century reproduction, valued as an artifact of antiquarian interest from that period.

What condition is this antique John Thane engraving in?

The engraving is in good condition for its age, but it exhibits significant aesthetic issues. The print surface has moderate foxing (small brown spots), and the surrounding mat shows heavy foxing. There is also general age-related toning of the paper. These condition issues, particularly the foxing, significantly detract from its visual appeal and reduce its overall market value compared to a cleaner example.

Where should I sell this antique John Thane portrait engraving?

For this antique John Thane portrait engraving, selling through online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy is highly recommended. These platforms offer direct access to niche collectors of historical prints and allow for lower seller fees compared to traditional auction houses, maximizing your net proceeds. Alternatively, a private dealer like NY Showplace or Griffin Trading Company could offer a quick, low-effort outright purchase, though at a lower price.

Is this John Thane engraving an authentic antique print?

Yes, this is confirmed to be an authentic late 18th-century copperplate engraving. Its authenticity is supported by the visible plate mark, engraving style, characteristic aging of the paper, and the explicit publisher's inscription by John Thane. This identification is further corroborated by an identical example held in the National Portrait Gallery, London, confirming it as a genuine antique print from the stated period.

What is the historical significance of this 'British Autography' print?

This print is significant as an artifact of 18th-century antiquarian interest, part of John Thane's 'British Autography' series. It depicts Thomas Howard, a major 17th-century art collector, through the lens of an 18th-century connoisseur. The series aimed to make history tangible by combining engraved portraits with facsimiles of historical handwriting and seals, connecting two distinct eras of collecting and historical appreciation.

John Thane (Publisher), Portrait of Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, and Lord Maltravers, Engraving, circa 1790

Estimated value: $75 - $125. John Thane (Publisher), Portrait of Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, and Lord Maltravers, Engraving, circa 1790 (Late 18th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Fine Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This print is more than just a portrait; it is a window into the mind of the 18th-century collector. Published in London by the influential dealer John Thane, this engraving was part of a celebrated series called 'British Autography'. The project's goal was to bring history to life for a growing audience of antiquarians and enthusiasts. By combining engraved portraits of illustrious figures with perfect facsimiles of their handwriting and seals, Thane made the past feel tangible and personal. The choice of Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel, as a subject is particularly fitting. Arundel himself was one of the greatest art collectors in English history, a man who revered the artists of the past. In this print, a great 17th-century patron is seen through the lens of an 18th-century connoisseur, connecting two distinct eras of collecting and historical appreciation. Owning this piece connects one to this fascinating history of how we remember and engage with the past.

How the value was reached

There is a lack of direct comparable sales for this specific print. The valuation is therefore based on specialist knowledge of the market for individual, unframed antiquarian prints from the late 18th century, adjusted significantly downward to account for the moderate to heavy foxing. The provided market data was for dissimilar items, such as multi-volume books, and was not used as a direct basis for valuation. At auction, a reasonable reserve would be $60. After a typical seller's commission of 10-15%, net proceeds would be approximately $65 to $110.

Comparable sales

This is a 10-volume, 8vo set with engraved portraits of Beaumont & Fletcher by George Vertue in Volume 1. It features contemporary calf covers with the gilt coronetted "MP" monogram of Mary, Countess Poulett, and gilt spines with contrasting morocco labels. The set was published in London by J. and R. Tonson and S. Draper, with a preface by Thomas Steward, and is the second of three 18th-century e — sold for US$ 3,345.69 (Maggs Bros. Ltd), 1750-01-01
This is a 1647 first edition of "Le glorie de gli Incogniti o vero gli huomini illustri dell'Accademia de' signori Incogniti di Venetia" by Girolamo Brusoni. It features 107 impressive, full-page portrait engravings of notable Italian intellectuals from the Loredanian Academy. The work is described as "VERY rare and desirable". — sold for $995.00 (Schilb Antiquarian), 2024-05-15
This is a very rare museum-quality magnificent Baroque style engraving from 1745, signed by the Dutch artist Jakob van der Schley (1715-1779). It features four oval portrait busts of members of the Krabbe family: Eric Krabbe, Gregers Krabbe, Niels Krabbe, and Otto Krabbe. The sheet size is approximately 24.5 x 18.5 cm, and the print/engraving size is approximately 15.5 x 10 cm. — sold for $110.00 (eBay), 2024-05-15

Expert notes

This is an authentic late 18th-century engraving from John Thane's important 'British Autography' series. The valuation is an estimate, reflecting the print's condition and the niche market for such items. To potentially confirm this as a more valuable first-edition impression, we recommend having the print unframed and the paper inspected under backlighting for 'chain lines', which are characteristic of 18th-century handmade paper.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your print, lithograph or engraving worth?.