| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | John Smith after Jacob Huysmans |
| Published | London, c. 1680-88 |
| Dimensions | Image 296 x 242 mm, Sheet 340 x 255 mm |
| Notes |
Half-length portrait of Catherine of Braganza, set within an oval, and facing the left. Her long, curled hair falls over her shoulders, and her loose dress is adorned with jewels. Catherine of Braganza (1638-1705) was the Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland between 1662 and 1685 as the wife of King Charles II. She was the daughter of John, 8th Duke of Braganza, who became King John IV of Portugal following the removal of the House of Habsburg in 1640. Due to her Roman Catholic beliefs, Catherine was an unpopular choice as the wife of Charles II. John Smith (1652 - 1743) early British mezzotinter. He was born at Daventry, Northamptonshire, about 1652. He was articled to a painter named Tillet in London, and studied mezzotint engraving under Isaac Beckett and Jan van der Vaardt. He became the favourite engraver of Sir Godfrey Kneller, whose paintings he extensively reproduced, and in whose house he is said to have lived for some time. He produced some 500 plates, 300 of which are portraits. On giving up business he retired to Northamptonshire, where he died on 17 January 1742 at the age of ninety. He was buried in the churchyard of St Peter's, Northampton, where there was a tablet to his memory and that of his wife Sarah, who died in 1717. Jacob Huysmans (c.1630/3 - 1696) painter of mainly portraits, rival of Peter Lely. Born in Antwerp, pupil of Frans Wouters. In London from 1662 where he died. Chaloner Smith 14, O'Donoghue 5 Condition: Tipped into an album page |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £200.00 |
| Stock ID | 40096 |