Hand Coloured Engraving "The Durham Ox" Dated 1802 Painted by John Boultbee

This rare engraving by John Whessell (c.1760 - 1840) was published in 1802 by John Day and is extensively inscribed below: “To the Right Honorable Lord Somerville. This print is with great respect humbly dedicated by His Lordship’s most obedient humble servant John Day. This wonderful animal is now the property of Mr John Day of Harmston near Lincoln, and was March 20 1802, six years old.” Underneath this are measurements of the ox (girth, breadth) and a further note “Subscriptions taken for this Print in the first Year amounted to two thousand and upwards, from whence the Public opinion of this beautiful animal may be well ascertained. This Ox is still in a growing and improving state, and weighs according to the computation of the best judges 30 score per quarter, which is 300 stone 8lb to the stone, or 171 stone 14lb to the stone.” This engraving is of a large scale which is rarely available and is in good original condition. It has been recently reframed with a cream ivory coloured mount and a traditional style frame which replicates and suits the period from the early 19th century. This picture will be most impressive when hung and displayed.