| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | Valentine Green after Joseph Farington after Anthony van Dyck |
| Published | Published Novr. 1. 1775 by Jn. Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London. |
| Dimensions | Image 151 x 125 mm, Plate 176 x 125 mm, Sheet 227 x 176 mm |
| Notes |
A mezzotint portrait of architect Inigo Jones after the Sir Anthony van Dyck oil painting sketched by Joseph Farington. The original painting, part of the collection of over 400 Old Master pictures amassed by Sir Robert Walpole for Houghton Hall, was sold in 1779 to Catherine the Great. Mezzotints of the 162 paintings that were included in the sale were engraved by many famed engravers including Valentine Green and Richard Earlom and published by the Boydells in their ambitious 'Houghton Gallery.' Inscription under title reads: 'In the Common Parlour at Houghton. Size of the Picture F 1" I 8 5/8 by F 2" I 1 in height'. Inigo Jones (1573–1652) was an English architect, artist, and designer, often celebrated as the father of English Palladianism. Born in Smithfield, London, to a cloth worker, Jones rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in British architecture. His early life remains unknown, but he likely apprenticed as a joiner before embarking on an influential journey to Italy. There, he studied the works of Renaissance masters, particularly Andrea Palladio, whose classical style influenced Jones's architectural vision. Jones's career began in theatrical design, where he created elaborate stage sets and costumes for court masques, often collaborating with playwright Ben Jonson. His work in this field introduced innovative techniques, such as movable scenery and the proscenium arch, to English theatre. As an architect, Jones introduced the principles of classical Roman and Italian Renaissance architecture to England. His notable works include the Queen's House in Greenwich, the first building in England designed in a pure classical style, and the Banqueting House at Whitehall, renowned for its harmonious proportions and grandeur. He also designed the layout for Covent Garden square, setting a precedent for urban planning in London. Jones served as Surveyor of the King's Works under King James I and King Charles I, overseeing royal building projects. Despite his success, his career faced challenges during the English Civil War, which disrupted his work and led to the destruction of some of his designs. Valentine Green (1739-1813) was a British mezzotinter; Associate Royal Academician and publisher, often in association with his son Rupert. In 1773 he was appointed mezzotint engraver to the King George III and in 1774 he became a member of the Royal Academy. In 1775, he was appointed mezzotint engraver to Karl Theodor, Elector Palatine, and in 1789, he worked on the engraving and publishing of pictures in the Düsseldorf Gallery. Green was one of the first engravers to show how admirably mezzotint could be applied to the translation of pictorial compositions as well as portraits. His engravings are distinguished by exceptional richness, subtlety of tone, and a deft handling of light and shade. Joseph Farington (1747-1821) was a landscape painter and diarist. He studied in Manchester, and moved to London in 1763 to be taught in the studio of Richard Wilson. He became a member of the Society of Artists in 1765, and joined the Royal Academy at its inception in 1769, and became an academician 1785. He submitted work annually until 1801 and continued to exhibit at the academy until 1813. Anthony van Dyck (1599-1641) was one of the most prominent Flemish Baroque painters. Born in Antwerp, he was a pupil of Hendrik van Balen, but was soon noticed by Rubens with whom he would work closely during his early career. Van Dyck became a master of the St Luke Guild in 1618, went on to paint in Italy from 1621-1626, and then worked predominantly in England from 1632 onwards, where he was knighted by Charles I. Van Dyck was very prolific, he produced many portraits for members of the European aristocracy, as well as religious and mythological paintings and works on paper. Chaloner Smith 77, O'Donoghue 2. Condition: Creasing to corners of sheet with glue residue and album page remnants to verso. Not affecting plate or image |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £200.00 |
| Stock ID | 53365 |