Sporting, Backgammon Game, Allegory of Romance, Antique Print, Mid 18th Century

Description English verse, lower right margin: In love and play, we equal Hazard run, And by pursuing either, are undone: The difference this — in Play oft we appeal, In Love our Reason from our Selves Conceal. French verse, lower left margin: Ce Jeu doit asccercer l’etude et la Fortune, L’Amour depend aussi du Hazard et des soins; Ici quand on a dispute on cherche des Témoins, Dans d’autres demelés un Tiers nous importune. [This game must ascend the study and the fortune, Love also depends on Hazard and care; Here, when we fight, we look for Witnesses, In other cases a third party disturbs us.] Anthony Walker was a British draftsman and engraver working in London. He was listed in a trade directory from 1763 as a “history and architecture designer and engraver.” This engraving is apparently quite uncommon; we were unable to locate any other examples. Condition:  Generally very good with the usual overall light toning and wear. Print window mounted in early paper sheet to extend margins. Reference: Maxted, Ian. “The London book trades 1775-1800: a checklist of members.” Exeter Working Papers in Book History. https://bookhistory.blogspot.com/2007/01/london-1735-1775.html#W (13 March 2019).