| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | James McArdell after Sir Joshua Reynolds |
| Published | Sold at the Golden Head in Covent Garden, 1754 |
| Dimensions | Image 345 x 280 mm, Plate 380 x 280 mm, Sheet 482 x 370 mm |
| Notes |
A three-quarter length portrait of Lady Ann Dawson appearing as Diana. Ann is standing, gazing off to the left, whilst leaning on a ledge to the right. Her left hand is resting on the neck of an obedient greyhound, who is gazing upwards at the sitter. Her right hand is raised grasping the shaft of a spear, while her head is adorned with pearls and a crescent moon diadem. A landscape can be seen to the left of the sitter. Lady Ann Dawson (née Fermor) (1733 - 1769) was the 6th daughter to Thomas Fermor (1698 - 1753), 1st Earl of Pomfret. In 1754, Ann married the Irish banker Thomas Dawson, Lord Dartrey and 1st Viscount Cremorne. The painting from which this print was taken was executed the year of Ann's marriage to Thomas. 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 52, ii/iii, Goodwin 35, iii/iii, NPG D34833 Condition: Full margins, some time toning to sheet, foxing to title area. Framed in an antique gilt frame. |
| Framing | framed |
| Price | £400.00 |
| Stock ID | 46753 |