Mezzotint Of Charles Fitzroy, 2nd Duke Of Grafton When Lord Euston

A fine late 17th century mezzotint portrait of Charles Fitzroy, 2nd Duke of Grafton when lord Euston. The attractive subject stands full length to centre within a wooded landscape, wearing elaborate costume. One hand rests upon a rocky outcrops, the other gestures towards a parrot. By I. Smith after the painting by G. Kneller. This highly decorative work is in an excellent state of conservation and is ready to hang and enjoy in an anteater 18th century fruitwood frame with sanded gilt slip.
John Smith (1652-1743) Smith was a gifted and ambitious printmaker and publisher whose long career began in the reign of Charles II and closed after the accession of George II. He was born in Northamptonshire and worked in London, specializing in the relatively new technique of mezzotint printing. Between 1683 and 1729 he produced over three hundred prints. Trained as a printmaker he was able to retain a controlling hand when, in the early 1690s, he turned from pure printmaking to printmaking and publishing. The refinement and 'modernity' of his prints brought him fame and then material prosperity and Smith's career, largely independent of interference from outside publishers, must have been an inspiration to William Hogarth (1697-1764) and the next generation of printmakers.
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Mezzotint.
Framed: 39.5 cm x 48cm/ 15.5 in. x 22in.