This lot is composed of four full sheets, each with six vignettes, of Heath's satirical work. Each is finely executed using the dry point etching process. Vignettes include statements on society including romance, flirtation, voyeurism, marital bliss, death, wealth, war, crime and poverty. A few titles include the Peeping Tom; Bird in a Cage; The Biter; Chip of the Old Block; British Enchanters; Edward the Black Prince; and The Wandering Jew. These plates are not commonly found.

During the late 18th and early 19th centuries British caricature was a popular art form. The colorful cartoons humorously exaggerate people in absurd scenarios, mocking the prevailing political, social, and religious positions of the day. William Heath (1795 - 1840) was a British artist best remembered for his caricatures and political cartoons. He often published under the pseudonym "Paul Pry, Esquire", but these plates do not carry this moniker. He helped found two early caricature magazines, the Glasgow and The Northern Looking Glass and published in other venues including McLean's Monthly.

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Condition: B+

Fine impression with full original hand coloring. Some light scattered staining or foxing, mostly along bottom.