Valentine
GREEN, A.R.A., after Sir Joshua REYNOLDS (1723-1792)
The Right Hon. Charles, William, Henry, Earl of Dalkeith. Eldest Son of His Grace Henry, Duke of Buccleugh
Mezzotint, 1778 on laid paper with oval Monogram of Christ watermark
Image size: 18-9/16 x 13-7/8 in.; sheet size: 19-15/16 x 14-1/4 in.
Proof before title, second finished state with the top half of the inscription space not quite cleaned, with scratched artist’s, engraver’s and publisher’s credits. Trimmed just within the platemark on the bottom margin; otherwise, in pristine condition.
Royal engraver Valentine Green’s stunning proof impression, with its velvety texture and dramatic play of contrast undulating across the surface of the image, represents the pinnacle of eighteenth century mezzotint engraving, exhibiting the visual power that can be attained with the subtle manipulation of light and shade and the clever use of texture (Penny). The inclusion of the spaniel and the owl in Reynolds's masterful portrait of the young Earl of Dalkeith, later 4th Duke, prefigures his life choices. Young Charles, pointing with precocious sagacity at the owl, chooses the path of knowledge. Indeed, his own son, the 5th Duke, was to become Lord Privy Seal and president of the Council and of the Society of Antiquaries.
References: Penny, Reynolds 104; Whitman, Valentine Green 68, ii/iii; Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 33, i/ii; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits and their States 33, ii/iii; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1; Lennox-Boyd & Stogdon, state ii/iii.
Price: $3,000
Inquiries: mail@mobysnewt.com
The Right Hon. Charles, William, Henry, Earl of Dalkeith. Eldest Son of His Grace Henry, Duke of Buccleugh
Mezzotint, 1778 on laid paper with oval Monogram of Christ watermark
Image size: 18-9/16 x 13-7/8 in.; sheet size: 19-15/16 x 14-1/4 in.
Proof before title, second finished state with the top half of the inscription space not quite cleaned, with scratched artist’s, engraver’s and publisher’s credits. Trimmed just within the platemark on the bottom margin; otherwise, in pristine condition.
Royal engraver Valentine Green’s stunning proof impression, with its velvety texture and dramatic play of contrast undulating across the surface of the image, represents the pinnacle of eighteenth century mezzotint engraving, exhibiting the visual power that can be attained with the subtle manipulation of light and shade and the clever use of texture (Penny). The inclusion of the spaniel and the owl in Reynolds's masterful portrait of the young Earl of Dalkeith, later 4th Duke, prefigures his life choices. Young Charles, pointing with precocious sagacity at the owl, chooses the path of knowledge. Indeed, his own son, the 5th Duke, was to become Lord Privy Seal and president of the Council and of the Society of Antiquaries.
References: Penny, Reynolds 104; Whitman, Valentine Green 68, ii/iii; Chaloner Smith, British Mezzotinto Portraits 33, i/ii; Russell, English Mezzotint Portraits and their States 33, ii/iii; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1; Lennox-Boyd & Stogdon, state ii/iii.
Price: $3,000
Inquiries: mail@mobysnewt.com
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