Exposé Of The Royal Academy Of Arts Where "Blockheads In Parties Hide Their Want Of Sense, And Strut In Corporate Consequence.,' Sir Martin Archer Shee. - By Thomas Skaife. - Illustrated By Donkeiana. -
The printer is named on the title-page verso, 'Lucas, Printer, "Kentish Mercury" Office, Greenwich' - and in the colophon, 'Lucas, Printer, London Street And Maize Hill, Greenwich.'
Summary Note
The Introduction describes the Royal Academy's rejection in 1848 of a miniature portrait of Dr Lingard by 'an obscure artist'. The rest of the text criticises the Academy's selection processes and its standing generally. It includes correspondence between Skaife and J.P. Knight, R.A., Secretary of the Royal Academy from 1847 to 1873.
The frontispiece shows an ass seeming to address a company of asses, one of whom is seated at an easel.
Reproductions
A microfiche version was published in 1993 (Cambridge: Chadwyck-Healey).
Provenance
Purchased for RA Library in 1869 (see 'Library Report for the year 1869', RA Annual Report, Appendix No. 6, p. 27).
Binding Note
19th-century blue cloth; spine lettered 'Skaife. Exposé Of The Royal Academy. 1854' and 'R.A.'