| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | James McArdell after Sir Joshua Reynolds |
| Published | J. Reynolds pinxt. J. McArdell fecit. [c.1755] |
| Dimensions | Image 250 x 228 mm, Plate 327 x 228 mm, Sheet 370 x 270 mm |
| Notes |
A half-length portrait of Anne Bastard. Anne is depicted within an oval frame, facing off to the left. She is wearing an elaborately decorated laced sleeve jacket and a dress which has bows at the bodice. A small line of pearls and lace are in her hair and a large pear shaped pearl earring can been seen on the right. Anne Bastard (née Worsley) (died 1765) was the wife of William Bastard of Kitley (1727 - 1782). The Bastard Baronetcy was a title intended for William in recognition of the part he played in the saving of the arsenal at Plymouth from the French fleet in 1779, but William declined the title. James McArdell (1729 – 1765) was a mezzotinter. He was born in Dublin, and studied under Brooks. He travelled to London with Brooks c. 1746. McArdell is regarded as the outstanding mezzotinter of the so-called Dublin school, concentrating mostly on portraits. He is believed to have been Reynolds favourite engraver. He published his own plates, most of which were purchased after his death by Robert Sayer. Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) was one of the most important figures of the eighteenth century art world. He was the first President of the Royal Academy and Britain's leading portrait painter. Through a series of lectures on the Discourses on Art at the Royal Academy he defined the style later known as the Grand Manner, an idealised Classical aesthetic. He had a profound impact on the theory and practice of art and helped to raise the status of portrait painting into the realm of fine art. A flamboyant socialite, Reynolds used his social contacts to promote himself and advance his career becoming one of the most prominent portrait painters of the period. Chaloner Smith 12, i/ii Hamilton 80, i/ii, Goodwin 171, ii/iii, O'Donoghue 1, NPG D658 Condition: Foxing to the sheet and image, loss of top corners and creasing to bottom corners of sheet, not affecting plate or image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £120.00 |
| Stock ID | 46831 |