Brass Rubbing of Richard Humfrie (1607)

This item is a framed brass rubbing depicting a commemorative monumental brass of Richard Humfrie. The artwork consists of dark pigment (likely heelball wax) transferred onto a light-tan or golden-toned paper, which exhibits significant undulating waves and cockling, suggesting it was once rolled or has reacted to humidity. The central figure is shown in stereotypical Jacobean attire, featuring a long academic or civilian robe with open sleeves and a prominent ruff collar, standing in a prayerful pose with hands clasped. Below the figure is an inscription in block capitals that reads: 'HERE LYETH INTERRED YE BODY OF RICHARD HUMFRIE GENT HALFE BROTHER TO RICHARD CANNON ESQ WHOM YE SAYD RICHARD CANNON MADE HIS HEIRE WHO HAD ISSVE RICH WILLM & EDMOND & DIED YE XXI OF DECEMB IN YE YEARE OF O LORD GOD 1607.' At the bottom, a smaller secondary rubbing shows a group of kneeling children (the heirs mentioned). The craftsmanship of the rubbing is solid, capturing the fine cross-hatching and line work of the original 17th-century metal engraving. The paper shows general yellowing and patina consistent with mid-20th-century hobbyist rubbing materials. It is housed in a simple, slim dark frame that appears to have some minor edge wear. The overall condition is fair to good, with the primary detractor being the heavy rippling of the paper substrate.