Dated 1738 Hand-Colored Portrait Engraving – Mary Queen of Scots
Dated 1738 Hand-Colored Portrait Engraving – Mary Queen of Scots
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Item: Pair of Dated 1738 Hand-Colored Portrait Engravings – Mary Queen of Scots & Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford (Houbraken / Knapton Series)
Additional Description:
A distinguished and historically significant pair of hand-colored copperplate engravings dated 1738, depicting Mary Queen of Scots and Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford, each presented within richly ornamented rococo cartouches.
The engraving of Mary Queen of Scots bears clear and important inscriptions, including “J. Houbraken sculp.” (engraved by Jacobus Houbraken), “J. Oliver pinxit” (after a painted prototype attributed to John Oliver), and the publisher’s imprint “J. & P. Knapton”, the prominent London print sellers responsible for issuing notable historical portrait series. The inscription “In the Collection of Dr. Mead” references the renowned 18th-century collector Dr. Richard Mead, whose holdings were frequently used as authoritative sources for engraved portraits.
The companion engraving of Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford is executed in the same format and style, identifying the sitter within an oval reserve surrounded by elaborate decorative elements, including heraldic motifs and scrolling foliage. While some lower inscriptions are partially obscured by the current matting, the visual consistency strongly supports its origin within the same portrait engraving tradition.
Both works retain their finely engraved linework, enhanced by hand-applied coloring that enriches the garments and flesh tones while preserving the clarity of the original copperplate impressions. The compositions exemplify the refined balance between historical documentation and decorative presentation characteristic of mid-18th century English engravings.
Era:
Dated 1738 (Mid-18th Century)
History:
These engravings are part of the celebrated tradition of Georgian English historical portrait prints, particularly associated with Jacobus Houbraken (1698–1780) and publishers such as John and Paul Knapton. Houbraken was among the most accomplished engravers of his time, producing detailed portrait plates after earlier painted likenesses for collectors, scholars, and the emerging print market.
The reference to Dr. Richard Mead (1673-1754) is especially notable, as his collection was one of the most esteemed in England and served as a source for many engraved portrait publications. Mead was a collector of paintings, rare books, classical sculpture, gems and zoological specimens, which he made available for study at the library in his Bloomsbury house.
Mary Queen of Scots (1542–1587) remained one of the most widely reproduced royal figures due to her dramatic life and enduring historical fascination.
Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford (1527-1585), represents one of England’s most influential noble families, often included in portrait series celebrating aristocratic lineage and political history. He was a nobleman, politician, and soldier. He was made a privy councillor under Queen Elizabeth, and was sent on diplomatic errands to Charles IX of France and Mary, Queen of Scots.
These engravings would have originally been collected as part of a larger series documenting notable figures in British history.
Provenance:
England, published by J. & P. Knapton, London, 1738; later framed.
Materials:
Copperplate engravings on laid paper
Hand-applied watercolor
Modern mats and frames (later)
Dimensions:
31.25” x 27.5”
Disclaimers:
Both sheets show age-related toning, light foxing, and minor wear consistent with 18th-century works on paper.
Item: Pair of Dated 1738 Hand-Colored Portrait Engravings – Mary Queen of Scots & Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford (Houbraken / Knapton Series)
Additional Description:
A distinguished and historically significant pair of hand-colored copperplate engravings dated 1738, depicting Mary Queen of Scots and Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford, each presented within richly ornamented rococo cartouches.
The engraving of Mary Queen of Scots bears clear and important inscriptions, including “J. Houbraken sculp.” (engraved by Jacobus Houbraken), “J. Oliver pinxit” (after a painted prototype attributed to John Oliver), and the publisher’s imprint “J. & P. Knapton”, the prominent London print sellers responsible for issuing notable historical portrait series. The inscription “In the Collection of Dr. Mead” references the renowned 18th-century collector Dr. Richard Mead, whose holdings were frequently used as authoritative sources for engraved portraits.
The companion engraving of Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford is executed in the same format and style, identifying the sitter within an oval reserve surrounded by elaborate decorative elements, including heraldic motifs and scrolling foliage. While some lower inscriptions are partially obscured by the current matting, the visual consistency strongly supports its origin within the same portrait engraving tradition.
Both works retain their finely engraved linework, enhanced by hand-applied coloring that enriches the garments and flesh tones while preserving the clarity of the original copperplate impressions. The compositions exemplify the refined balance between historical documentation and decorative presentation characteristic of mid-18th century English engravings.
Era:
Dated 1738 (Mid-18th Century)
History:
These engravings are part of the celebrated tradition of Georgian English historical portrait prints, particularly associated with Jacobus Houbraken (1698–1780) and publishers such as John and Paul Knapton. Houbraken was among the most accomplished engravers of his time, producing detailed portrait plates after earlier painted likenesses for collectors, scholars, and the emerging print market.
The reference to Dr. Richard Mead (1673-1754) is especially notable, as his collection was one of the most esteemed in England and served as a source for many engraved portrait publications. Mead was a collector of paintings, rare books, classical sculpture, gems and zoological specimens, which he made available for study at the library in his Bloomsbury house.
Mary Queen of Scots (1542–1587) remained one of the most widely reproduced royal figures due to her dramatic life and enduring historical fascination.
Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford (1527-1585), represents one of England’s most influential noble families, often included in portrait series celebrating aristocratic lineage and political history. He was a nobleman, politician, and soldier. He was made a privy councillor under Queen Elizabeth, and was sent on diplomatic errands to Charles IX of France and Mary, Queen of Scots.
These engravings would have originally been collected as part of a larger series documenting notable figures in British history.
Provenance:
England, published by J. & P. Knapton, London, 1738; later framed.
Materials:
Copperplate engravings on laid paper
Hand-applied watercolor
Modern mats and frames (later)
Dimensions:
31.25” x 27.5”
Disclaimers:
Both sheets show age-related toning, light foxing, and minor wear consistent with 18th-century works on paper.