Drawings from the Duke of Devonshire No. 2 by John Boydell
John Boydell (1719 - 1804) John Boydell was a draughtsman, line engraver, publisher, and print seller. He was born at Stanton in Shropshire and began his career as an engraver of landscapes and topographical views when apprenticed to W. H. Toms. In 1767, he abandoned printmaking for the more lucrative business as a print merchant, and began publishing prints by other engravers. He produced an enormous quantity of prints and would both employ engravers or painters to work for him, as well as purchasing old plates and re-printing them. He bought William Hogarth's original plates from Ann Hogarth's cousin Mary Lewis and republished them in 1790 and 1795. Boydell had a tremendous influence on the English print trade, greatly encouraging the art of engraving in this country. He effectively changed the English print trade from an import to an export market acquiring an impressive fortune along the way. In 1782 he was elected alderman of Cheap Ward, London, in 1785 elected Sheriff, and in 1790 was made Lord Mayor of London. Thomas Earlom's impressive and successful series of mezzotint engravings after the Claude Lorrain drawings were made in the years 1774 to 1776 and published by Boydell in 1777 in two volumes dedicated to the Duke of Devonshire, the owner of the original drawings. A total of 195 images were created of which this is number 2.
The image shows sailors offloading material from a large sailing vessel. Several other vessels are visible to the shore on the right with a round tower fading into the distance. In the foreground is a part of a classical temple with Corinthian columns. The actual location is not given. The artist's signature is present on a barrel or bale in the lower left of the image. The plate size is given above. The sheet is free and is 14.75 x 11 inches. It's in reasonably good condition considering it is nearly 250 years old. The paper shows a little toning but is still supple. No tears or paper loss is present. The image is still sharp with no fading or significant water stains. There is some foxing mostly outside the image, but there is on area of foxing in the sky. All in all a very good example of this interesting set of works from the 18th century.
Price: $100
Size: 14.75 x 11 inches
Plate Size: 10 x 8 inches
Condition: Good
Medium: Aquatint Etching
Subject: Marine/Seascape
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