Engraving by John C McRae after painting by Sir William Allen. It is titled " Robert Burns: in his cottage composing The Cotter's Saturday Night".
It appears to have a dedication stenciled in pencil "Presented to the subscribers of the Scotsman, New York"
It also appears to have Robert Burns' signature that also looks like it is in pencil.
I would very much like to know the history of this specific dedication engraving, and whether or not the signature could be authentic.
I know John C. McRae was active during the mid 1830's and the Scotsman was founded in 1817. This would mean that Robert Burns could not have signed it after it was made.
Is it possible the engraver could have had paper with Burns' signature and pressed the engraving on top of it, or if there have been any known engravings that were signed before being made.
Thanks.
