Rare 1831 lithograph of an engraving by Anthony Minasi of the "Wandering Italian Boy" murder trial which gripped England. The high profile trial put a spotlight on London's gruesome industry of body-snatching by "resurrection men" and brought about legislation to protect the poor and disenfranchised.
An exact duplicate of this lithograph hangs in the British Museum. Pictures the accused "May," "Williams," and "Bishop," (who were all ultimately convicted and executed for the murder of Charles Ferrier) with an explanation of the circumstances printed below. "Drawn from life" by James Anthony Minasi, an accomplished pen and ink artist of the day, and dated 1831.
Present at bottom, but obscured by the frame, is also printed "Published by S. Gans, 15, Southampton St. Covenant Garden & R. Hays Bookseller 248 Regent Street. Printed by W. Clark 27 Dean St. Soho." Framed 11x16.25" with museum board in 1974.