Captain Thomas Coram
Stipple engraving. 1796. 580mm by 405mm (platemark). Capt. Thos. Coram, who after 17 Years unwearied application, obtained the Charter of the Foundling Hospital To the Governors & Guardians of the Hospital, this Print is humbly dedicated by their obedient humble Servt. R. Cribb.
Stipple engraving published in Holborn by 'R. Cribb' in 1796.Captain Thomas Coram (c. 1668 _?_1751) was a successful merchant in London and a great philanthropist. Coram was appalled by the many abandoned, homeless children living in the streets of London and in 1739 he obtained a Royal Charter granted by George II establishing a ""hospital for the maintenance and education of exposed and deserted young children."" In 1742-1745, the Foundling Hospital was erected in Lamb's Conduit Fields, Bloomsbury. It is said to be the world's first incorporated charity. William Hogarth was among the first governors of the hospital. He painted a famous portrait of Thomas Coram in 1740, now Foundling Museum, London, which this engraving is taken from, and, together with some of his fellow artists, decorated the Governors' Court Room. He contributed paintings for the benefit of the Foundation, and the Foundling Hospital became the first art gallery open to the public.Faint foxing in the margins." Item #1894
Price: $850.00