Prints and Principles

Most of the recent posts give details about individual prints and earlier posts discuss some of the subtle principles guiding artists in making images meaningful and memorable. For prints that are unsold, click "Items still available for sale" below. All other prints are no longer available. My contact email is oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com and my Instagram username is @printsandprinciples. I have created a separate blog to show my own work: https://printsandprinciplesjamesbrown.blogspot.com

Thursday, 8 October 2026

Augustin Legrand, “The Spirit of a Child Arrived in the Presence of the Almighty”, c. 1800–05

Augustin Legrand (born Auguste-Claude-Simon Legrand; inscribed in the plate as “Amb.ᵉ Le Grand” / Ambroise Legrand, the printmaker's professional pseudonym) (1765–c.1815). A notable French master of stipple engraving/etching in the crayon-manner, and independent fine-art publishing

“The Spirit of a Child Arrived in the Presence of the Almighty”, circa 1800–1805

Contextual Commentary:

This finely executed stipple engraving depicts a serene winged angel holding a symbolic palm frond, gently guiding the ascending spirit of a young child into the celestial realm. The composition is based on a celebrated lost work by the Reverend Matthew William Peters, R.A. (1742–1814). Peters occupied a unique position in the late 18th-century art world, balancing his duties as Chaplain to the Prince of Wales with a highly successful career as a painter. The British Museum biographical archives famously capture his artistic versatility, noting he was a "painter of portraits, historical and fancy pictures, and of half-naked women."

Artworks carrying this specific imagery held profound emotional and social weight during the late Georgian and early Victorian periods, an era marked by devastatingly high rates of child mortality. Rather than dwelling on the tragedy of early death, pieces like this offered immense spiritual solace to grieving families. By emphasising a peaceful, immediate ascension where God “shall wipe away all tears”—inscribed below the image from Revelation 7:17 (King James Version)—this print shifted the focus toward salvation and eternal peace. This particular edition highlights the cross-cultural reach of these comforting religious motifs, translated here by a French master engraver for an international European market.

Technical Details & Condition:

Stipple engraving and etching on heavy wove paper, trimmed around the image and professional backed with archival quality washi paper to provide structural support.

The impression is strong but with abrasions and small replenished losses such as the lower left corner. Aside from the restorations, the sheet remains is good condition for its large size and age with no significant stains.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 53.1 x 38.7 cm
• Inner image borderline: 49.8 x 37.8 cm

In-Plate Lettering (below the image borderline):

• Left: “Painted by the Rev. W.^m Peters of Exeter College Oxford & R.A.”
• Centre: “The SPIRIT of a CHILD arriv'd in the PRESENCE of the ALMIGHTY / And the Lamb which is in the midst of the Throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto / living fountains of waters and God shall wipe away all Tears from their Eyes”
• Right: “Engraved by Amb.^ᵉ Le Grand”

Price & Shipping:

AU$277 (approximately US$192.74 / €172.08 / £145.91), including worldwide express shipping. Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

To acquire this large and finely executed stipple engraving, please contact oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. Secure payment is handled via PayPal invoice for a smooth, protected transaction.