(DICKENS, Charles) (GILL, André) L'ECLIPSE. Large caricature portrait of Charles Dickens, from the front wrapper of L'Eclipse, Première année, no. 21 (14th June 1868). Folio. Paris: redacteur en Chef et Directeur F. Polo. 1868
48 x 31cm. Front wrapper only from a single issue of L'Eclipse, with large image of Dickens, 'par Gill', with some detail printed in colour. Sl. damp stains in margins, not affecting image, single light horizontal fold.
¶L'Eclipse, which succeeded La Lune, was one of numerous illustrated satirical newspapers published in France in this period. Dominated by a full page, hand-coloured caricature, L'Eclipse was perhaps best known for its leading artist, André Gill, the master of French caricature. His subject typically featured oversized heads and undersized bodies, gargantuan noses and glaring eyes. He drew portraits of many of the notable figures of the day, including Wagner, Verne and here, Dickens seen clutching French translations of his works while astride the English Channel. PLEASE NOTE: For customers within the UK and the EU, this item is subject to VAT.