Antique Print, Bring Home the Bacon, The Dunmow Trials, English Literature Art, John Gilpin, 1892 Lithograph (AR-A400)
 
The top scene depicts John Gilpin who was featured as the subject in a well-known comic ballad of 1782 by William Cowper, entitled The Diverting History of John Gilpin. Cowper had heard the story from his friend Lady Austen.
Gilpin was said to be a wealthy draper from Cheapside in London, who owned land at Olney, Buckinghamshire, near where Cowper lived.
The bottom half is artwork associated with the Dunmow Flitch Trials, a historic custom in England.
This tradition, which is said to have begun in 1104, involves a couple proving their marital bliss to a jury, and if successful, they are awarded a "flitch of bacon" (a side of bacon).
The story of Reginald Fitzwalter and his wife (presumably Rose) is considered the origin of this custom. According to legend, they dressed as peasants and sought a blessing from the Prior of the Augustinian Priory of Little Dunmow a year and a day after their marriage. The Prior was impressed by their devotion and awarded them the bacon. After revealing their true identity, Fitzwalter granted land to the Priory with the condition that any couple who could demonstrate similar devotion would also be awarded a flitch of bacon.
Also included is the tissue paper covering with a brief description of the scene.
This is an original,  not a reproduction. It came from a destroyed 1st edition book published in 1892 by Selmar Hess called Character Sketches of Romance Fiction and Drama. There is some damage, aging to the bound side of the print. All prints are either wood engravings, etchings, photogravure, or typogravure.
Condition - This piece has some water stains. 
Approx Size - 11.5"x 9"
Great for framing, assemblage, collage art, scrapbooking, college or school reports, research, home decor
Condition - There is water damage on this print but once framed it should look great.