Eloquence, or, The king of epithets.

"A portrait of James Christie the elder (1730-1803) standing in his auctioneer's rostrum. His head is turned in profile to the left. He smiles insinuatingly, his hands held out, his hammer in his right hand. The word 'eloquence' in the title is engraved at the bottom of the rostrum, and beneath the title is inscribed, "Let me entreat - Ladies - Gentlemen - permit me to put this inestimable piece of elegance under your protection, - only observe;--The inexhaustible Munificence of your superlitively [sic] candid Generosity must Harmonise with the refulgent Brilliancy of this little Jewel.! - ! - ". 1 January 1782"--British Museum online catalogue.