Exquisite 1840s Antique Portrait Print

SIR THOMAS GRESHAM

Published by JOHN TALLIS & COMPANY, LONDON & NEW YORK

Approximate Portrait Image Area Size: 4 X 5 inches

Approximate Size With Decorated Border and vignettes: 6 X 7 1/2 inches

Approximate Overall Size with margins: 7 X 10 1/2 inches

Exquisite 1840s Steel Engraving - Lovely Antique Portrait Print

A beautiful elaborate fleur de lis scrollwork decorative border surrounds the image, with a tiny vignette at the top of the portrait image. The vignette may represent the family coat of arms or crest. The celtic like ornamental perimeter scrollwork surrounding the portrait is a beautiful work of art, typical of a John Tallis type production. A great historical portrait print for a genealogy buff looking for family heritage or royalty type prints.

CONDITION: Very Good Condition. Blank on Reverse side and printed heavier paper. A beautiful print, lovely work of art.

Business Biographies: Sir Thomas Gresham, (1519?-1579), English merchant and financier. As the royal financial agent in Antwerp after 1551 he proved himself very able, though his methods were frequently more effective than ethical. After the accession of Elizabeth I to the throne he spent most of his time in London but went on diplomatic and financial missions. He also accumulated a great private fortune as a banker, mercer, and merchant. He was the principal figure in the founding of the Royal Exchange, and he endowed Gresham College in London. His name was given to Gresham's law, the economic principle that in the circulation of money "bad money drives out good," i.e., when depreciated, mutilated, or debased coinage (or currency) is in concurrent circulation with money of high value in terms of precious metals, the good money is withdrawn from circulation by hoarders. It was thought that Gresham was the first to state the principle, but it has been shown that it was stated long before his time and that he did not even formulate it.