1806 Cork Ireland Aquatint John Carr Mardyke Walk Antique Irish Print
An original 1806 monochrome aquatint depicting Cork, Ireland, titled Cork, from the Mardyke Walk. Drawn by John Carr (1772–1832) and published in London by R. Phillips, this scarce early 19th century Irish view remains in an older moulded wood frame with a Montreal framer's label apparently dating to 1921.
The view was drawn by John Carr, the English travel writer whose journey through Ireland in 1805 formed the basis for his book The Stranger in Ireland; or, A Tour in the Southern and Western Parts of That Country, published the following year. This view of Cork was produced in connection with that work.
The aquatint presents an expansive view of early 19th century Cork from the Mardyke Walk, then a fashionable tree-lined promenade. The city appears in the distance beyond open fields, with cattle grazing in the foreground and figures strolling along the shaded walk. The trees framing the scene and the tonal treatment of the landscape give the print considerable depth.
The lower margin is titled in script “Cork, from the Mardyke Walk”, with “Drawn by J. Carr Esq.” at lower left and the original publication information below the title:
“Published June 4th 1806 by R. Phillips, Bridge Street, Blackfriars.”
The print is a monochrome aquatint, with the characteristic finely textured tonal areas of the aquatint process creating the greys and blacks of the landscape.
It is housed in an older black moulded wood frame with narrow gilt inner detailing. The reverse retains a label from W. Scott & Sons, 99 Notre Dame St. West, Montreal, apparently dated 1921, suggesting that the print has been in its present framing for approximately a century. The original-style paper backing is torn, exposing the wooden backboard.
Measurements
Image: 8 1/4 inches high by 16 inches wide, including the thin printed border but exclusive of the caption
Frame: 11 1/4 inches high by 18 3/4 inches wide
Condition
Considering that the print is approximately 220 years old, it remains in good condition and presents quite well. There is light age-related yellowing to the margins, together with some yellow staining or discolouration at the upper centre and on the left side of the image in the area surrounding the cattle. Please refer carefully to the close-up photographs for condition.
The frame is in very good condition with a bit of chipping to the lower left side and bottom.
A scarce original 1806 view of Cork, of particular interest to collectors of antique Irish prints, Cork history and early 19th century topographical views.