"A broadside on Matthew Skeggs, a publican who became famous for miming music-making with a broomstick while making matching vocal sounds; with a round mezzotint after a painting by Thomas King, showing Skeggs facing towards the right, next to the portrait an etched broomstick surmounted by a dancing hog, and a suspended horn; with engraved title and verses of one poem and of one song text by Henry Howard in two columns."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Introduction. Each buck & jolly fellow has heard of Skegginello
Description:
Engraved broadside, in verse in two columns., Printmaker identified as Richard Houston in the British Museum catalogue., Date from British Museum., At head of title: Introduction. Each buck & jolly fellow has heard of Skegginello. The famous Skegginallo that grunts so pretty upon his broomsticado. Such music he has made, O. Twill spoil the fiddling trade, O. And that's a pity. ..., and Mezzotint portrait at head signed, with fictitious signature: "G Pigganinne Fecit". After a portrait by Thomas King.
Publisher:
Printed for John Ryall, at Hogarth's Head, in Fleet Street
"Portrait of Matthew Skeggs seated three-quarter length slightly to left, eyes to front, holding and 'playing' broom with bow as if it were a cello, music stand beside pillar and curtain at left; in the character of Signor Bumbasto; proof before letters."--British Museum online catalogue
Description:
Title from published state., Artist and printmaker from statements of responsibility on lettered state: Thos. King pinxt. ; Richd. Houston fecit., State from: Smith, J.C. British mezzotinto portraits., Publisher information from later state with the imprint "Sold by the proprietor M. Jackson the corner of Bride Court in Fleet Street, & M. Skeggs at the Hoop and bunch of Grapes in St. Albans Street"; see: Smith, J.C. British mezzotinto portraits., Date of publication based on activity dates of artist Thomas King and publisher Michael Jackson; see British Museum online catalogue., and Sheet trimmed to plate mark at bottom.
