A beautifully executed original copper-plate engraving from The Gentleman’s Recreation by Richard Blome. This image depicts “Angling” - the sport of catching fish, freshwater or saltwater, with rod, line, and hook. Angling saw great improvement in the mid-17th century, when an unknown angler attached a wire loop at the tip end of the rod, which allowed a running line, useful for both casting and playing a hooked fish. What was then needed was a means of taking up and holding such lengths, which led to the invention of the reel.
Published in London, c. 1686.
The Gentleman’s Recreation is a “manifold history, in which all that belongs to sport…is represented side by side with changing customs and costumes, and with a great many landscape interests which belong for ever to the gradual changes made in country life…” Sparrow, British Sporting Artists, p. 11.
Plate size is approximately 13 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches.
Shipped unmatted.