Antique 1787 print in period frame, Love in a Mill, Delatre after Wheatley

Size:  Frame 51 x 43 cm
Condition:  The print has some old tears to the left hand side caused by the frame splitting. It has been backed with paper and the tears are not very noticeable. Some overall age toning.  The frame, originally made in 4 pieces, has been re-glued and quite nicely repainted, some minor scuffs.

This attractive print is on laid paper and is certainly 18th century in date, and the giltwood frame is probably of the same age and has clearly long been with the print.

As a historical piece it is interesting for its depiction of early industrialisation.

The print is an etching and stipple engraving, printed in black and white with hand colour which is consistent with typical colouring used in the 18th century.  The scene of the bashful lovers is very characteristic of the fashion in art of the period.
This impression has been trimmed to the oval image (the names of the artist, engraver and publisher are still visible), but a copy in the British Museum shows that it was entitled "Love in a Mill) or L'Amour au Moulin" in lettering below the image (BM ref 1873,0809.448).  The BM copy also gives the date of publication which was at the bottom.