Samuel Wale (1721-1786) (after)
Johann Sebastian Mueller (engraver)
R. Forrest, Plume of the Feather, Windmill Street, St. James's (seller)
To All True Britons, Lovers Of Liberty, And The Present Succession
This Plate Is Dedicated
S. Wale, London: March 14, 1747
20.5 x 15.5 inches, sheet
$375
Tribute to British Monarchs
After Samuel Wale, 1747
After Samuel Wale, 1747
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A tribute to the British monarchs, including the first Georgian kings and queens: a portrait of King George I at the top, King George II and Queen Caroline beneath him, and in the column below are portraits of the prince and princesses who were the successors to the throne at the time, including George II's son, Frederick Prince of Wales, and his son, the future King George III, then a young boy. The portraits are surrounded by allegorical figures and symbols: a winged and garlanded male figure stands on the left with a globe, a lyre, a Classical bust and a lion, perhaps symbols of Britain as a world power. On the right, a female figure holds a cornucopia, traditional symbol of plenty, while her companion holds a crown. The prior great empires of Egypt and Rome are evoked in the topmost portion of the print. The print was separately issued.
A female figure bearing a bell has one foot on the back of a sleeping figure holding a set of keys. One interpretation is that the sleeping figure is Saint Peter, who upon the current king's death will be awakened to let him into Heaven.
Samuel Wale was a British painter, illustrator and the first Professor of Perspective at the Royal Academy.
Johann Sebastian Mueller and his brother Tobias were London printers and engravers. Born in Nuremberg, they moved to England in 1744, where they also traded as John and Tobias Miller. Johann was known for botanicals and Tobias for architecturals. Both exhibited at the Society of Artists and Johann also exhibited at the Royal Academy.
Full publication information: S. Wale, Palladios Head, Long Gere, London: March 14, 1747.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual light toning, soiling, wear. Trimmed to image on three sides, but with small margin on bottom. Various soft and hard creases, not obtrusive.