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The Presentation of the Cardinal's Hat to Wolsey in Westminster Abbey

Printer: unknownPrimary artist: Harlow, George Henry · 1787-1819Printmaker: Giller, William · 1805-1868Publisher: Moon, Boys and Graves

The Presentation of the Cardinal's Hat to Wolsey in Westminster Abbey

The print was advertised in The Sun on 1834-06-09; "SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS lately published 3 by HODGSON, BOYS, and GRAVES, Printsellers to the King, No.…

The print was advertised in The Sun on 1834-06-09; "SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS lately published 3 by HODGSON, BOYS, and GRAVES, Printsellers to the King, No. 6, Pall-mall : WOLSEY RECEIVING THE CARDINAL'S HAT, IN WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Painted by G. H. Harlow ; engraved by W. Giller, 32 by 25 high. Prints, £2. 2/-; Proofs, £3.13/6d.; before letters, £5.5/-"

and on 1834-06-16 the Albion and Star newspaper reported; "THE ARTS. ------*-- The extensive depot of Messrs. Hodgson, Boys and Graves, printsellers to the King, in Pall-mall, now exhibits many fine prints of great merit. Among those on a large scale is "Cardinal Wolsey receiving the Cardinal's hat in Westminster Abbey." Wolsey, upon his knees before the Pope's Legate, surrounded by other dignitaries of the Catholic Church, with the attendants, religious and civil, who officiated in the ceremony, constitute a most interesting and imposing group. All the figures are of grand and noble character, displayed with fine effect in the richness of the drapery and other doctrines of which the See of Rome knew so well how to avail itself. The print is a mezzotint°, finely executed by William Giller, from a painting by G. H. Harlow, member of the Academy of St. Luke at Rome, and of the Academy of Florence."

The BM does not appear to hold an impression of this print as at 2023-01-12

Harlow's original oil painting is owned by the University of Manchester to whose Tabley House Collection (acc no. 211.4) it was transferred on the University's acquisition of the estate in 1976.

"To the Lovers of the Fine Arts.—By Mr. CHRISTIE, at the Exhibition Room, No, 86, Pall-mall, on Tuesday, May 30, precisely at One, by order of the Administratrix, without reserve, . A Few Capital ORIGINAL PICTURES, STUDIES, and DRAWINGS, the works of G.H.Harlow, Esq. late Member of the Academies of Painting at Rome and Florence, deceased; consisting of the Virtue of Faith, a grand historical composition, and painted with admirable effect ; a spirited small Study for the same; the original Sketch for the grand Picture of the Presentation of the Cardinal's Hat to Wolsey, deposited in the Vatican; also numerous masterly studies in chalk, from the most distinguished works of the great Italian Masters, in fresco and oil, still remaining in Italy; and some Theatrical and other Portraits.—May be viewed on Saturday and Monday preceding." (New Times [London], 1820-05-09)

Moon, Boys and Graves published this print in 1834 judging by contemporary newspaper accounts.

The BM does not appear to hold an impression.