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Inscribed on verso in graphite, lower right: "6"

Lettered inside image, lower center: "An Act for the Encouragement | of the Arts of Designing Engrav- | ing & Etching, by Vesting the | Properties thereof, in the | Inventors & Engravers, | during ye time therein menti- | oned."; below image, lower center: "Design'd, Etch'd & Publish'd, as the Act directs, by Wm.. Hogarth, March 20th. 1754."; lower center: "In humble & grateful Acknowledgment | of the Grace & Goodness of the Legislature, | Manifested, | In the Act of Parliament for the Encouragement | of the Arts of Designing Engraving &c.; | Obtain'd | by the Endeavours & almost at the Sole Expence | of the designer of this Print in the Year 1735: | By which | not only the Professors of those Arts were rescued | from the Tyranny Frauds & Piracies | of Monopolising Dealers | and Legally entitled to the Fruits of their own Labours, | but Genius & Industry were also prompted | by ye most noble & generous Inducements to exert them- | selves, | Emulation was Excited, | Ornamental Compositions were better understood, | and every Manufacture where Fancy has any concern | was gradually rais'd to a pitch of perfection before unknown, | Insomuch that those of Great Britain | are at present the most Elegant | and the most in Esteem of any in Europe."; lower center: "Recd. - of - 15s being the first Payment | for three Prints, representing the Polling for Members of Parliament, Canvassing for Votes, & | Chairing ye Members; Which I Promise to deliver when finished, on ye Payment of 16s. & 6d. more. | N.B. The Price will be rais'd when the Subscription is over."