Baxter Print The Gems of the Great Exhibition No 5

This is one of an outstanding set of Plates in immaculate condition, of museum quality. This one – “The Gems of the Great Exhibition No 5, CL No 170”. It represents the Austrian Court and consists of three parts that were produced as separate prints. To the left we have “Gone Fishing” CL No 185 (Signor Monti), then “Mazeppa” CL No 186 (Pierotti), and finally “Hagar and Ishmael” CL No 187 (P Max). The bookcase behind the latter was exhibited by the Emperor of Austria and presented to Queen Victoria. This was produced using 10 blocks, and interestingly is easily the rarest of the series and is seldom seen on a Stamped Mount, as here. It was produced in September 1854 after the opening of the Crystal Palace, Sydenham. That is why so few were produced as interest in the Great Exhibition was on the wane. Classified as Very Rare by CL. 9 5/8″ x 4 3/4″.