After Renold Elstrack (2 results)

Condition: Good. Engraving, 15 x 10 cm. Good with remnants of mounting paper on verso, dry mold, some creasing. Likely from a periodical such as "Universal Magazine.".

"emblematic costume portrait of the 17th century London chimney sweep, John Cottington, who was also a notorious pickpocket and highwayman, the youngest of 19 children, who was executed at Smithfield Round in 1655. This despite his early success in his trade, gaining a reputation for fine living, earning him the name of Mulld-Sake, or Mul-Sack, after the preference for mulled sack, or fortified wine. He soon descended into a life of crime, first as pickpocket, then as highwayman, at which he was hugely successful, before resorting to murder. He fled abroad, to the court in exile of Charles II, where he hoped to glean enough intelligence to barter for a pardon from Oliver Cromwell on his return. But the plan failed and he was executed at the age of 45. The print was originally issued by Compton Holland c.1650. …