Object Number 1965.2685

Object Name

Print (Mezzotint)

Title

The Right Honourable Bessey Countess of Rochford

Category

Prints and Maps

Credit Line/Donor

Gift of Mrs. Waldron Phoenix Belknap

Creator (Role)

John Smith (Mezzotinter and publisher)
1652/54-1742
Pupil of Isaac Beckett. Smith acquired both Beckett's business and inventory of plates around 1688. Smith's plates were sold at his death to John Boydell.

Charles d' Agar (Painter)
1699-1723

John and Josiah Boydell (Publisher)

Place of Origin

London, London, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Date

1723

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Inscription; Lower right; J. Smith Fec. & ex. 1723
2. Inscription; Lower left; Char: D'Agar pinx.

Subjects

Portrait

Materials

Ink; Paper (wove)

Techniques

Mezzotint

Dimensions (inches)

14.3 (H) , 10.9 (W) , 13.6 (Image H) , 9.9 (Image W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

36.4 (H) , 27.6 (W) , 13.6 (Image H) , 9.9 (Image W)

Measurement Notes

Plate H: 13.6 in. (34.6 cm). Plate W: 9.9 in. (25.2 cm).

Publisher Summary

Boydell, John

Place of Publication

London, England, United Kingdom

State

III

Watermark

None

Edition Notes

Roulett and rocker used to intensify design on worn plate. 1723 date of first issue. Smith's plates were sold at his retirement and eventually came to Josiah and John Boydell, who eventually sold them in 1818. Wove paper, although produced at Whatman's Turkey Mills and used by Boskerville by mid 19th century, was not used for all prints until the end of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th.

Object Description

Text available soon.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Smith, John Chaloner. 1884 British Mezzotinto Portraits; Being a Descriptive Catalogue of These Engravings from the Introduction of the Art to the early part of the present century. 3. 941-1428.
• See p.1213, no.213.