Large 18th C. Mezzotint: Viscountess Townshend by Valentine Green After Reynolds

Details

Description

Rare 18th-century mezzotint engraving of Anne, Viscountess Townshend, after the celebrated portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds. This work was engraved … Read more Rare 18th-century mezzotint engraving of Anne, Viscountess Townshend, after the celebrated portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds. This work was engraved by the master Valentine Green, "Mezzotinto Engraver to his Majesty," and published in London in 1780. It represents the height of Georgian portraiture, featuring the subject in a flowing classical gown against a dramatic landscape.

Dimensions
• Approximate Image Size: 20" x 27"

This is an antique item over 240 years old and shows signs of age consistent with its history:
• Discoloration & Spots: There is significant discoloration and "spotting" visible in the white margins and throughout the paper. While this is likely "foxing" (a common chemical reaction in antique paper), it may potentially be dormant mold. As I am not a professional paper conservator, I am disclosing this so the buyer can treat or clean the piece according to their preference.
• Reframing Recommended: To preserve the integrity of the paper and improve the aesthetic, professional cleaning and reframing are required.

* Shipping: The print will be shipped in its original antique frame. The frame is in poor condition and is being included solely as a protective "sleeve" to ensure the artwork remains flat and is not creased or damaged during transit.

Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723–1792) was the foremost portraitist of his day. Valentine Green (1739–1813) was his preferred engraver; Green's mastery of the mezzotint process allowed for the velvety shadows and soft highlights seen in this striking portrait.

Published in: London, England.
• Publication Date: December 1, 1780.
• The Workshop: Valentine Green operated out of No. 29 Newman Street, Oxford Street, which was a prestigious hub for the London art scene at the time.
• The Paper: While the engraving was made in London, the paper itself was often sourced from high-end mills in England or occasionally imported from France or the Netherlands, as these were the only places producing "superfine" paper capable of holding the deep, velvety ink of a mezzotint. See less