Cries of London (1796) – “Chanson Nouvelles Deux a la Douce Lance” – Framed Colour Engraving

A beautifully presented vintage coloured reproduction from the celebrated Cries of London series, originally painted by Francis Wheatley in the late 18th century. This plate, titled “Cries of London – Chanson nouvelles deux sous le livret”, depicts a lively street-side scene in which a female street vendor offers freshly printed song sheets (“new songs, two sous the booklet”) to a gentleman customer.

Around them, passers-by animate the composition: a young boy pats a friendly spaniel, a mother with her infant looks on from the left, and a second vendor gestures animatedly from behind. The architecture—grand stone columns and shadowed recesses—frames the figures and adds depth to the narrative.

The colours remain gentle but well preserved, typical of period engravings, with the print housed in a traditional gilt classical frame with beaded detail. Some age-related toning is visible on the mount, consistent with prints of this era.

Painted by F. Wheatley R.A.
Engraved by A. Cardon
Published as the Act directs, 1st March 1796 by Colnaghi & Co., 132 Pall Mall

Condition

Image clean with good tonal consistency

Light toning/foxing on the mount

Original vintage gilt frame in stable condition with minor age wear

Door-to-door tracked delivery across South Africa from R220 (insured to full sale value). Free pickup available in Cape Town. International shipping by quote. Estimated dispatch within 2 business days of payment clearing escrow.

RubyRose Collectibles is a verified Sunflower trader.

Q: Does the clock keep accurate time?
Heritage Lot: Within ±30 seconds per week after the 2024 service.

Q: Will it survive shipping?
Heritage Lot: Yes — pendulum is removed and packed separately, and the case is custom-crated.