Humphrey, Hannah. (fl. 1745–1818)
"A Squall" - 19th-Century Etching
Amusing original hand-colored etching published by Hannah Humphrey, St. James's Street, London, 1810. Shown are a storm-battered woman whose skirts and umbrella are turned inside-out by the wind, while a dog and other figures look on. In the background, a rowboat is tossed in the waves. Some light wrinkling and toning, light chips to frame; overall very good. 33 x 42 cm (10 x 14 inches), framed to an overall size of 11 x 15 inches.The sister of engraver William Humphrey, Hannah Humphrey first started selling prints from her brother's premises. She struck out on her own in 1778 or 1779, when she first established a printshop in St Martin's Lane. Several woman print sellers ran successful businesses in 18th-century London—for example, Mary Darly, Susan Vivares, and Elizabeth Jackson. Humphrey was preeminent among them and became one of the top two print sellers in London, the other one being Samuel Fores. Her shop in St James was visited by a fashionable clientele and had a large stock of social and political caricature, including caricature portraits of leading society figures. (17740)
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