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Printing plate
copper plate Seal with the Murder of Thomas Becket

Object number

LDSAL2022.2.37

Artist/Designer/Maker

Fowler, William - Engraver

Production date

1808

Material

copper

Technique

Etching

Dimensions

height: 70mm
width: 79mm

Location

Burlington House - RUB B

Content description

Printing plate depicting an ancient seal cut in bloodstone with the murder of Thomas Becket; traces of a fragment of an etching on reverse.

Inscriptions

Inscription content

W. Fowler del. et fecit

Inscription content

Murder of Thomas a Becket
The four Knights represented are WILLIAM DE TRACT
[...]
[...] who is ploughing his Sword
into the Prelate's Brains

References

Reference (controlled)

Betti, Chiara. “Lost Treasures Resurface: The Untold Story of the Society of Antiquaries’ Printing Plates.” The Antiquaries Journal 104 (2024): 304–42. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0003581524000179.
    Printing plate depicting an ancient seal with the murder of Thomas Becket; traces of a fragment of an etching on reverse.
    This plate, together with 34 others, was engraved for private distribution among Fowler's friends and not included in the published volumes of prints. It can be found in volume IV of William Fowler's prints from the collection of James Ludovic Lindsay, 26th Earl of Crawford (now at The British Museum).

    On the reverse of the copper plate, there are traces of an old etching with lettering. Reusing copper plates was a very common practice when the subject was no longer requested by the market, or the plate was too worn-out. Copper was an extremely costly material, and engravers tried to make the most of their stock by cutting and re-engraving on the other side of an old plate.

    An impression is kept with the copper plate.

    Digitised thanks to the kind donation of Dr John Ashley Null FSA.