| Method | Etching |
| Artist | [after Nathaniel Hone] |
| Published | [1740-85] |
| Dimensions | Image 151 x 97 mm, Plate 171 x 105 mm, Sheet 177 x 106 mm |
| Notes |
Half-length portrait of John Fielding, set within an oval inscribed with his name. Turned to the right, but with his head towards the right, Fielding is depicted with his eyes closed, and a dark band running above his eyes, indicating that he is blind. Beneath the oval, a child perches on the right of a pedestal beside a sword, whilst holding a set of scales in his left hand, both of which are symbols of justice. An open book also sits upon the pedestal. Sir John Fielding (1721 - 1780) was a notable English magistrate and social reformer of the 18th century. At the age of 19, Fielding was blinded in a navy accident, yet still went on to establish his own business, and studied law with his brother Henry. John and Henry formed the Bow Street Runners, the first professional police force, through which they attempted to eliminate corruption, and improve the administration of justice in London. As well as issuing a regular 'police gazette' which featured descriptions of known criminals, Fielding formed the basis for the first police criminal records department. Fielding became known as the 'Blind Beak', and is said to have been able to recognise around three thousand criminals by the sound of their voices. Developing his ideas regarding crime prevention and youth employment, Fielding aided the foundation of the Asylum for Orphan Girls in Lambeth in 1758. O'Donoghue 4 Condition: Trimmed within plate mark, and graingerised. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £60.00 |
| Stock ID | 40329 |