12925 John Browne (1741–1801) and William Woollett (1735–1785) – The Jocund Peasants – Etching and engraving (Late 18th Century)
"The Jocund Peasants." This work presents a lively and detailed genre scene set in a rustic English countryside. The composition centers on a group of villagers gathered around a table outside a thatched cottage, engaged in a communal meal and spirited conversation. To the left, a woman draws water from a stone well using a traditional pole-and-bucket system, while chickens forage in the foreground. The scene is framed by a dense grove of trees and a distant view of a winding river, capturing the idealized "picturesque" quality characteristic of late eighteenth-century British printmaking. This etching and engraving is a notable example of the collaboration between two of the period's most celebrated masters of the medium, blending meticulous figure work with sophisticated landscape rendering.
John Browne and William Woollett were preeminent figures in the golden age of English engraving. Woollett, appointed Engraver to King George III, was world-renowned for his ability to translate the complex textures of oil paintings—particularly those of Claude Lorrain and Richard Wilson—into the linear language of copperplate. His technical innovation involved a heavy reliance on preliminary etching to create atmospheric depth before finishing with the graver. John Browne, a fellow of the Royal Academy and a frequent collaborator with Woollett, specialized in the intricate depiction of foliage and natural landscapes. Together, their works helped elevate the status of British engraving, making it a major intellectual and commercial export across Europe.
Artist or Maker: John Browne and William Woollett.
Dimensions: Approximately 24 cm x 33 cm.
Medium: Etching and engraving.
Date: Circa 1770–1785.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 400 - 600 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
Dahlströms Rare Prints
Harju maakond, Tallinn
Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415
Estland
info@dahlstromsrareprints.com
© Software Copyright 2026 Skeleton. All rights reserved.