| Method | Copper engraving |
| Artist | Robert White after Sir Godfrey Kneller |
| Published | c. 1690 |
| Dimensions | Image 140 x 88 mm, Sheet 145 x 91 mm |
| Notes |
A small bust portrait of Samuel Pepys, used as Pepys's own ex libris and the frontis to Memories Relating to the State of the Royal Navy published in 1690. The portrait shows Pepys in a decorative oval, turned slightly to the right looking directly at the viewer. Below the portrait on a scroll on the plinth is the quote 'Mens cujusque is est Quisque' or 'Mind Makes the Man'. Samuel Pepys (1633–1703) was an English diarist, naval administrator, and Member of Parliament, best known for his detailed diary that provides a vivid account of life during the Restoration period. Born in London, Pepys came from humble beginnings, the son of a tailor. He attended St. Paul's School and later Magdalene College, Cambridge, where he earned his degree. Pepys rose to prominence as Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under Charles II and James II, despite having no maritime experience. His administrative skills and reforms were instrumental in professionalising the Royal Navy. He also served as President of the Royal Society and was a confidant of notable figures like Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Christopher Wren. His diary, kept from 1660 to 1669, contains personal reflections and eyewitness accounts of major events, including the Great Plague of London, the Great Fire of London, and the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Pepys's candid observations and detailed descriptions make his diary one of the most important historical sources of the era. Pepys is one of England's most celebrated diarists with his diary first being published in the 19th century. It continues to be a valuable resource for understanding the social, political, and cultural landscape of 17th century England. Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1st Baronet (1646-1723) was the leading portrait painter in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, and was court painter to British monarchs from Charles II to George I. His major works include The Chinese Convert (1687) a series of four portraits of Isaac Newton painted at various junctures of the latter's life, a series of ten reigning European monarchs, including King Louis XIV of France, over 40 "Kit-cat portraits" of members of the Kit-Cat Club and ten "beauties" of the court of William III, to match a similar series of ten beauties of the court of Charles II painted by his predecessor as court painter, Sir Peter Lely. Robert White (1645-1703) was a draughtsman and engraver. Born in London and was apprenticed to David Loggan, whose position as the leading line engraver for the print trade he later inherited. His output was huge, and in fact has never been fully documented. White's principal activity was as a portrait engraver. He usually engraved these from his own drawings, made from life in black lead on vellum. The majority of his portraits were made on commission from publishers who used them as frontispieces for books. As well as frontispieces, he engraved bookplates, almanacs and architectural views. His son, George White, was also an engraver. O'Donoghue 3, Franks 23259. Condition: Trimmed within plate mark. Small ink stain to lower left corner and right edge of plinth. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £200.00 |
| Stock ID | 53364 |