Bartholomew Fair, 1721.

Bartholomew Fair, 1721. London: J.F. Setchel, [1824?]. Etched fan leaf on wove paper depicting the popular entertainments at this annual London fair including The Siege of Gibraltar peep show, rope dancing, the “Dexterity of Hand” and “famous posture master” of noted conjurer Issac Fawkes, and an early form of the Ferris Wheel, among other pastimes. 12 ¼ x 21 5/8”. Top edge unevenly trimmed, minor wear and foxing. Scarce. The Bartholomew Fair was held for over seven centuries, and was a constant source of amusement and entertainment for Londoners. Setchel’s fan depicts scenes from the 1721 fair, and was produced both as an aquatint and an etching. The explanatory text below the image has been attributed to James Caufield, bookseller and author of four volumes on “remarkable characters.”