SEVEN PENCIL STUDIES OF CONTEMPORARY ACTORS FOR THE STIPPLE-ENGRAVED PORTRAITS IN OXBERRY'S 'THE NEW ENGLISH DRAMA' (1823)

Seven pencil drawings depicting contemporary actors in various costumed roles, each measuring approximately 16 x 11cm. Titles in ink to the foot. Three of the drawings signed by the artist to the foot. Each tipped in to an old paper window mount alongside a (proof?) example of the subsequent stipple-engraving for which the drawing formed the basis. There is some light scattered foxing to a few of the drawings, otherwise condition is very good. The mounts with some toning and marking. An unusual group of original portrait drawings by the artist and engraver Thomas Charles Wageman (1787-1863), executed for William Oxberry's 'The New English Drama' (Simpkin & Marshall, 1823), depicting seven leading contemporary actors in a variety of costumed roles, including: Miss Carew as Rosina; Mr Wilkinson as Simkin; Mr Pearman as Leander; Mrs Bunn as Hermione; Mr Dowton as Obadiah; Mrs Baker as Little Pickle; and Mr Gattie as Papillon. A prominent portrait artist during the first half of the nineteenth century, Wageman was a founding member of the New Society of Painters in Water-Colours (later the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours) and his work now hangs in numerous public collections including the National Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Royal Collection.…