Attrib. Henry William Bunbury, Couple Seated at a Table Caricature – 18th-century pen & ink drawing
Attrib. Henry William Bunbury, Couple Seated at a Table Caricature – 18th-century pen & ink drawing
Attrib. Henry William Bunbury, Couple Seated at a Table Caricature – 18th-century pen & ink drawing

Attrib. Henry William Bunbury Couple Seated at a Table Caricature

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View the full Collection: Bunbury, Henry William (1750–1811)

An original 18th-century pen & ink drawing – Attrib. Henry William Bunbury, Couple Seated at a Table Caricature.

A wonderfully characterful sketch in graphite with brown ink, attributed to the caricaturist Henry William Bunbury (1750–1811). A comically mismatched couple converse at a table, with a small dog looking on at the right.

There are additional graphite sketches of military officers on the verso of the paper.

On pale blue-grey laid paper with 'GR' watermarked 'GR' (Georgius Rex / King George) watermark.

Provenance: the Estate of Phillip Allen (1938–2022).

+ Read the Artist Research

Henry William Bunbury (1750–1811)

Henry William Bunbury (1750–1811) was the son of Sir William Bunbury, 5th Baronet of Mildenhall, Suffolk. He was educated at Westminster School and St Catharine's College, Cambridge, though he showed more interest in drawing than academic study.

Bunbury gained popularity for his witty depictions of everyday life, fashion, and social manners, often poking gentle fun at the aristocracy, military figures, and contemporary trends. His style combined keen observation with exaggerated features, placing him among the notable caricaturists of his time, such as James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson. As a popular friend of most of the notabilities of his day, his satire did not cause offence. In 1787 he was appointed equerry to the Duke of York and Albany, allowing him the continuing leisure to practise his talents.

COA
+ Artwork Details

Dimensions: Height: 13.7cm (5.39") Width: 21.6cm (8.5")

Presented: Unframed.

Medium: Pen & Ink

Age: 18th-century

Signed: No.

Inscribed: No.

Dated: --

Condition: Toning and marks as shown, particularly pronounced across the verso. The sheet has a central fold crease, with a repaired tear at the bottom of the crease. Further repaired tear to the left edge of the sheet and a small loss at the lower left corner. Some areas of abrasion to the verso and small patches of red sealing wax. Please see photos for detail.

Stock number: KD-592