Handel, George Frideric.

1 page, folio (c.29 x 21.8cm), engraved vignette by Haward after Smirk, no place or date [before 29 May 1784], laid down on card, trimmed at edges, with apparent loss below the plate-mark of the words "Westminster Abbey", creased, small tear to image, a number of small tears to edges, slightly affecting text in lower right-hand corner, dust-stained

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

An exceedingly rare ticket for the second of the five celebrated concerts which made up the great Handel Commemoration of 1784. Burney, in his account of the event, one unprecedented in music history, described the design as follows: "Britannia pointing to a Pyramid, on which the name of Handel is engraved: a Genius offering the First-fruits of a Sacrifice to his Memory; and on the Back-Ground, a perspective View of Westminster Abbey". The inscription around the top of the vignette ("The dead shall live, the living die") is from the last chorus in Dryden's Song for St. Cecilia's Day (Jacob Simon, 1985).