Stevengraph of Robert Burns

“Robert Burns” (STG 74). This was the first small portrait Stevens produced of a non-political nature. Both the Sprake/Darby and Godden references agree that there are two main versions of this image. This has the credit and title below the silk and an arched top to the mount whilst STG 73 has a poem above the portrait with no title or credit. Both versions have the thistles below the portrait. This is rare being a 5* rarity rated in the Sprake Darby reference book. The other image is STG 73 with poem, square mount, no credit or title under the silk is also available. Godden adds another variation – the same as STG 74 with some shading part way up the background either side of the portrait. STG 73 is the earlier of the two pictures. Complete on its’ original mount this is in lovely condition. It has the 23+27+2 trade label on the back, dating it to March/April 1888.