Lot 49: HUBERT-FRANCOIS GRAVELOT (1699-1773)

HUBERT-FRANCOIS GRAVELOT (1699-1773) The Game of Cricket engraving, published 7 May, 1739 (edges trimmed) 2 1/8 x 7½in. (5.5 x 19cm.); with five similar engravings showing children playing, all in common mount, 10½ x 10in. (27 x 25.5cm.), framed and glazed; and a related print. (2)

THE EARLIEST PUBLISHED CRICKET SCENE. Hubert Gravelot's, 'The Game of Cricket' is generally agreed to be the first modern representation of cricket. Gravelot taught drawing at the artist's academy in St Martin's Lane and was a close associate of Francis Hayman. His celebrated design was also used on a sugar bowl in a set of contemporary porcelain, and forms part of a charming series of decorations in the French rococo manner here framed together. EXTREMELY SCARCE.