Page:Fitzgerald - Pickwickian manners and customs (1897).djvu/114

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104
PLATES OF PICKWICK.

may be considered "proofs before letters"—the descriptive titles being only found in the later editions.

1. "The Frontispiece," (We shall call the second state b, the first a.) In a the signature "Phiz," "fct." or "fecit" is on the left, in b it is divided half on each side. The harlequin painting has a full face in a, a side face in b. The face at the apex of the picture has a mouth closed in b, and open in a. There are variations in nearly all the grotesque faces; and in b the faces of Mr. Pickwick and Sam are fuller and more animated. In b the general treatment of the whole is richer.

2. "The Title-page." In a the sign has Veller, in b Weller. Old Weller's face in b is more resolved and animated; in a water is flowing from the pail.

3. "Mr. Pickwick Addressing the Club." Mr. Pickwick in b is more cantankerous than in a—all the faces scarcely correspond in expression, though the outlines are the same. The work, shading, etc., is much bolder in b.