| Method | Mezzotint with original hand colouring |
| Artist | [Anonymous] |
| Published | Printed for R. Sayer; in Fleet Street & H. Overton without New Gate. c. 1760 |
| Dimensions | Image & Plate 250 x 352 mm, Sheet 280 x 385 mm |
| Notes |
An unusual hand coloured mezzotint from a set of decorative allegorical prints representing the arts, more commonly issued as line engravings. The full series of six prints depict scenes set within idealised classical ruins with figures partaking in each of the six arts. This example illustrates the art of 'Astronomy' represented by seven figures with various astronomical equipment such as armillary spheres, celestial spheres and telescopes. This impression was published by Sayer and Overton from a plate original issued by Henry Overton I, c. 1740's with altered publication line. Robert Sayer (1725-1794) was one of the most prolific and successful British publishers, cartographers, and print-sellers of the Georgian era. Following his brother's marriage to the daughter in law of the publisher John Overton, Sayer continued the business, branching out into sea charts, maritime atlases, and general maps. In addition to his cartographic achievements, Sayer was also instrumental in growing the public taste for prints after paintings, particularly those by Johan Zoffany, with whom he developed a lifelong friendship as well as a lucrative business partnership. Following his death, the business was continued by Laurie and Whittle. Henry Overton (1676 - 1751) was a British engraver, publisher, mapmaker, and printseller. The son of the mapseller John Overton, and brother of Philip Overton, Henry set up his own business in 1707 in partnership with John Hoole. His earlier maps were largely based on acquired plates engraved by Sutton Nicholls, John Speed, and Blaeu. In addition to his own works, he also published revised editions of Speed's Atlas, as well as David Loggan's views of the colleges and public buildings of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and decorative prints and portraits. Lennox-Boyd ii/ii Condition: Sheet toned. Staining to margins. Framed in a period style frame with sand-gilt slip. "F.J. Harris" of Bath label on verso. |
| Framing | framed |
| Price | £575.00 |
| Stock ID | 52280 |