Bidspirit auction | 5 James Gillray Thomas Rowlandson

5 James Gillray Thomas Rowlandson and Charles Williams Hand-Colored Etchings - Group of five British satirical hand-colored etchings on wove paper by noted caricaturists of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The group includes James Gillray (British, 1756-1815), Stealing off;—or—prudent Secesion, 1798, and Visiting the Sick, 1806. Also included are Thomas Rowlandson (British, 1756-1827), Bloody Boney the Carcass Butcher Left of Trade and Retiring to Scarecrow Island, 1814; Charles Williams (British, active 1797-1830), Plump to the Devil We Boldly Kick'd Both Nap and His Partner Joe, 1813; and a fifth print titled A Friendly Visit, 1814. The works are published by prominent London houses including H. Humphrey, S.W. Fores, and Thomas Tegg. Several sheets feature J. Whatman Turkey Mill watermarks. The prints are loosely housed in modern white mats with pencil and ink annotations. Sight: 10” x 14 1/4”. Largest Sheet: 13 1/2” x 17”. From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940–2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation.