Four Hand-Colored Fencing Prints from "L'Ecole des Armes" (1763) Handsomely Framed

London: (R. & J. Dodsley), 1763. First English Edition. Single Prints Framed. Gwyn. Four plates, hand-colored, uniformly framed. Sheet size measures 19 x 13 inches, with the plate mark measuring 15.50 x 9.50 inches. Printed on laid paper that shows slight evidence of handling; foxing in two prints is moderate at worst. Elegantly framed in walnut moulding with a silver-accent complementing the steel of epees, sabres and, in one image, daggers. Plates are numbered 15, 18, 35 and 42. Frames measure 23 x 17.50 inches. Mounted with acid-free mats under UV-resistant glass. The frames are in sharp condition with no detracting condition factors. Domenico Angelo (1717-1802), born in Livorno, at age 27 moved to Paris to engage in his family's merchant trade. When he moved to England he established himself as a fencing tutor, emphasizing the art of fencing was perhaps more vital to poise and physical development than a tactical asset. As fencing was a popular sport among the British aristocracy, his proficiency was sought after by the nobility, namely the Earl of Pembroke and the Duke of Devonshire.

The prints at hand, published in L'Ecole des Armes (London: 1763), represent the refinements of poise and charm taught to students as varied as the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. Indeed, the school he founded prevailed under successive Angelo generations into the early 20th century. A charming set, well presented.

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