Description
Print is subtitled: “From the first and only original portrait in the possession of Thos. Lister Parker, Esqr.”
James Northcote was an English painter and writer. Arriving in London in 1771 a self-taught artist, he entered the Royal Academy Schools and joined the eminent painter Joshua Reynolds as a pupil and assistant. He remained with Reynolds until 1776, during which time he exhibited portraits at the Royal Academy. Reynolds remained a major stylistic influence on Northcote through much of his career. Northcote’s historically valuable Memoirs of Sir Joshua Reynolds were published in 1813.
James Ward was primarily a painter, but also an engraver and printer who served as painter and mezzotint engraver to the Prince of Wales in 1794. The most important animal painter of his generation, he also produced portraits, landscapes, genre and history paintings. Ward exhibited at the Royal Academy over a long career from 1792 to 1855, and was made an academician there in 1811. He spent much of his career in London, later moving to Cheshunt.
Condition: Generally very good with the usual toning, wear, soiling, soft creases. A rich impression. Sheet trimmed close to image on sides and top, as is often the case with separately issued 18th-century mezzotint portraits.
References:
“James Northcote.” The Grove Dictionary of Art. New York: Macmillan. 2000. Online at Artnet.com. http://www.artnet.com/library/06/0627/T062779.asp (7 May 2002).
“James Ward.” The Grove Dictionary of Art. New York: Macmillan. 2000. Online at Artnet.com. http://www.artnet.com/library/09/0906/T090680.asp (7 May 2002).
Maxted, Ian. “The London book trades 1775-1800: a preliminary checklist of members.” Exeter Working Papers in British Book Trade History. U.K.: Devon Library and Information Services. 2001. http://www.devon.gov.uk/library/locstudy/bookhist/lonw.html (7 May 2002).
“William Henry West Betty.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Ed., Vol. III. Cambridge: University Press, 1910. p. 832-3. Online at TheatreHistory.com. http://www.theatrehistory.com/british/betty001.html (7 May 2002).
