c 1797 Mezzotint - Sir Jeffery Amherst - Watson/Reynolds

$1,500.00

An oiginal mezzotint engraving of “SIR JEFFERY AMHERST” after a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds. Engraved by James Watson, published in London, c.1797.

Field Marshal Jeffery Amherst, 1st Baron Amherst KB served as an officer in the British Army and as Commander-in-Chief of the Forces.

Amherst is best known as the architect of Britain's successful campaign to conquer the territory of New France during the Seven Years' War. Under his command, British forces captured the cities of Louisbourg, Quebec City and Montreal, as well as several major fortresses. He was also the first British Governor General in the territories that eventually became Canada. Numerous places and streets are named for him, in both Canada and the United States.

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92) was an accomplished portrait painter. He studied in Italy in the 1750’s and upon returning to England “where he soon put all rivals at a distance, and in 1759 had 156 sitters…He was the greatest portrait-painter that England has produced…” (Concise Dictionary of National Biography).

James Watson (s. 1790) was an eminent Irish mezzotint engraver of portraits. Born in Dublin, he lived and worked in London. (Ref: Mackenzie, British Prints).

Plate size is approximately 18 1/8 x 12 7/8 inches.

Shipped unmatted.

 

 

  • Inventory# MA-398