| Method | Mezzotint |
| Artist | John Smith after Sir Godfrey Kneller |
| Published | Sold by I Smith at the Lyon & Crown in Russel Atreet Covent Garden. 1705 |
| Dimensions | Image 325 x 250 mm, Plate 345 x 250 mm, Sheet 356 x 260 mm |
| Notes |
Portrait of William Anne Keppel, 2nd Earl of Albemarle (1702-1754) was a British general, diplomat and an American colonist. On 21 February 1722, he married Lady Anne Lennox (1703 – 1789), a daughter of the 1st Duke of Richmond (and a granddaughter of King Charles II through an illegitimate line). Albemarle County, Virginia, in the United States is named after him. John Smith (1652-1743) was a pioneer of the mezzotint process. Born in Northampton, he moved to London to become a printer's apprentice. He turned his attention to mezzotint engraving and became the pupil of Jan Van der Vaart. In the first nine years of his career Smith worked for five publishers: Richard Palmer, Edward Cooper, Alexander Browne, Pierce Tempest and Isaac Beckett. He began publishing for himself in 1687, and from 1692 worked only for himself. When Beckett died in 1688 Smith inherited his position as chief engraver to Godfrey Kneller. He engraved over a hundred plates after Kneller's portraits, giving him access to prominent members of society; who became customers. Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723) Portrait painter; born Lübeck, he trained in Amsterdam under Bol (possibly also under Rembrandt). He was based in Rome and Venice from 1672-75 and settled in London in1676. He was appointed Principal Painter to William III and Mary (jointly with Riley) in 1688, retaining office until his death. Kneller was knighted in 1692 and made baronet 1715. He was appointed Governor of the first Academy in England in 1711, he often signed and dated his pictures, sometimes with monogram GK. Chaloner Smith 32, O'Donoghue 2, Lennox-Boyd i/ii Ex. Col.: Hon. Christopher Lennox-Boyd Condition: Tipped to album page. Trimmed to 5mm outside of plate, minor tear to the right hand margin, just affecting image. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £350.00 |
| Stock ID | 27943 |