| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | James McArdell after Sir Joshua Reynolds |
| Published | J. Reynolds pinxt. J. McArdell fecit. [1757] |
| Dimensions | Image 268 x 225 mm, Sheet 328 x 225 mm |
| Notes |
A half-length portrait of Frances Hanbury Capel. Frances is depicted sitting, turned slightly to the right. She is resting her head on her left hand, which is adorned with a jewelled bracelet and full, delicate lace sleeves. A fur-trimmed mantle is draped over her shoulders, with her dress decorated with bows and ribbons. Frances Hanbury Capel (née Williams) (1735 - 1759) was the first wife of William Anne Capel, 4th Earl of Essex. She was the daughter of Sir Charles Hanbury-Williams and Lady Frances Coningsby. 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 63, i/ii, Goodwin 58, O'Donoghue 1, NPG D1877 Condition: Trimmed to plate, attached to album sheet at top corners, small tear to top right edge. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £250.00 |
| Stock ID | 46770 |