The Last Sleep of Argyll, 1685.

For Sale is a Full Page Engraving removed from "Nine Scenes from English History, after the originals designed for Westminster Palace. By C.W. Cope, R.A.,  Daniel Maclise, R.A.,  & E.M. Ward, R.A."
Published by the "Art-Union of London."
Date- 1881.
This Engraving is called "The Last Sleep of Argyll."
Artist- E. M. Ward.
Engraved by Goupil & Co.
Size of Engraving- 33cm. x 26.5cm.
 
                                          The last sleep of Argyll, 1685.
Archibald, ninth Earl of Argyll, the head of the great tribe of Campbell, was, as a leader of insurrection, truly formidable, possessing patriarchal authority over five thousand fighting men.  He accepted command of a force, with which an attempt was to be made on the coast of Scotland, with the object of freeing the two countries from the tyranny of the bigot, king James.  Argyll was taken, conveyed to Edinburgh, and conducted, with similar indignities, through the same streets by which Montrose had, 35 years before, been lead to the same doom by the faction, at the head of which was Argyll's father.  There is much interest and pathos in this single figure in sombre Presbyterian black. One of the Lords of the Council came to the castle with a message from his brethren and demanded admittance to the Earl;  it was answered that the Earl was asleep.  The Privy Councillor thought that this was subterfuge, and insisted on entering.  The door of the cell was softly opened;  and there lay Argyll on the bed, sleeping in his irons the placid sleep of infancy.  the conscience of the renegade smote him.

Condition is Very good, with a damp stain in the bottom Margin only.  (See Photo).