18th Century Engraving of Benhamin Johnson - George Vertue (1730)
18th Century Engraving of Benhamin Johnson - George Vertue (1730)
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A beautiful copperplate line engraving of English playwright and poet Ben Johnson (1572-1637), rendered by George Vertue after a painting by Gerard van Honthorst. His name on the engraving is latinized as Benjaminus Johnson.
Below is a Latin poetic tribute, which loosely translates to:
“Let not the face deceive — this is no actor:
Here stands a poet, like Yates, reborn anew.
His double fame shines bright: by skill and form,
His name shall live, from pen and art, forevermore.”
It was dedicated to John, Lord Somers, a known patron of literature and the arts, and a key figure in Vertue’s network of intellectual supporters.
The engraving is dated 1730, noted in handwriting on the matting.
A beautiful copperplate line engraving of English playwright and poet Ben Johnson (1572-1637), rendered by George Vertue after a painting by Gerard van Honthorst. His name on the engraving is latinized as Benjaminus Johnson.
Below is a Latin poetic tribute, which loosely translates to:
“Let not the face deceive — this is no actor:
Here stands a poet, like Yates, reborn anew.
His double fame shines bright: by skill and form,
His name shall live, from pen and art, forevermore.”
It was dedicated to John, Lord Somers, a known patron of literature and the arts, and a key figure in Vertue’s network of intellectual supporters.
The engraving is dated 1730, noted in handwriting on the matting.
20"h x 16"w
20"h x 16"w
Ben Johnson was a towering figure in English literature, often considered the second-most important dramatist of the English Renaissance after Shakespeare.
Gerard van Honthorst (signed lower left: Gerard Honthorst pinxit) was a Dutch Golden Age painter known for his dramatic lighting.
George Vertue (signed lower right: Geo. Vertue Londini Sculp.) was one of the most respected English antiquarian engravers, known for his portraits of historical and literary figures, many commissioned by collectors like Dr. Richard Mead and patrons such as Lord Somers. His works were widely collected and used in early editions of British biographies and histories.
Ben Johnson was a towering figure in English literature, often considered the second-most important dramatist of the English Renaissance after Shakespeare.
Gerard van Honthorst (signed lower left: Gerard Honthorst pinxit) was a Dutch Golden Age painter known for his dramatic lighting.
George Vertue (signed lower right: Geo. Vertue Londini Sculp.) was one of the most respected English antiquarian engravers, known for his portraits of historical and literary figures, many commissioned by collectors like Dr. Richard Mead and patrons such as Lord Somers. His works were widely collected and used in early editions of British biographies and histories.
18th C
18th C
Copperplate line engraving on paper
Copperplate line engraving on paper
Acquired via Auction House from a NY-based gallery.
Acquired via Auction House from a NY-based gallery.
Normal age-related wear and foxing to the paper and matting.
Normal age-related wear and foxing to the paper and matting.