What is a mezzotint print?

A mezzotint is a tonal intaglio printmaking technique developed in the seventeenth century that allows for subtle gradations of shading without line hatching, creating deep blacks and soft highlights.

What materials were traditionally used to produce eighteenth-century mezzotints?

Eighteenth-century mezzotints were printed using oil-based ink applied to copper plates that had been systematically textured with a metal tool called a rocker, then printed onto handmade rag paper.

How can you identify an authentic eighteenth-century mezzotint?

Authentic eighteenth-century mezzotints feature visible plate marks impressed into thick laid paper, rich velvety black tones, fine velvety texture, and period-appropriate publication lines along the bottom margin.

How do you style an antique portrait print in a modern interior?

Position the framed portrait on a gallery wall alongside contemporary line drawings, resting on a fireplace mantelpiece, or leaned against a wall atop a dark wood sideboard for layered texture.

How should antique paper prints be cleaned and preserved?

Keep paper prints away from direct sunlight and high humidity, mount them using acid-free materials, and protect them behind UV-filtering glass inside a sealed frame.

for sale €468 $508

£400

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Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

Name: Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1038760
Price: 400 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

Description

Master Crewe as Henry VIII

Joshua Reynolds, John Raphael Smith1775

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Apologies for the reflections caused when photographing through the glass.

-

This fine example is an original mezzotint

( not a copy or re-printed version ) and is well preserved under glass within an ebonised period frame.

These works are fairly rare with most only found within existing museum collections.

-

Sir Joshua Reynolds was known for his exceptional portraits of children, often commended for capturing their spirit of comedy, sympathy, innocence, and tenderness.

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This portrait of John Crewe is modelled after a painting of Britain’s Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543). The print conveys the humour and satire intended by the original work, as the small, smiling boy mimics the mighty king.

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After the painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds (c.1775, exh. R.A. 1776, no. 239, 'Portrait of boy in the character of Harry the Eighth'; Mannings, 449; Private Collection, on long-term loan to Tate Britain). John Crewe, 2nd Baron Crewe of Crewe (1772 - 1835) as a young boy, full-length, wearing fancy-dress as Henry VIII, standing with his legs apart, hands on hips. Two spaniels at his feet and a view out to parkland through a window on the right.

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NOTE

“Mezzotint. Second published state of the plate (originally published 10th December 1775). Following slight reworking and darker printing, engraved in italics: 'Joshua Reynolds Eques Pinxit.'; 'J. Raphael Smith fecit.'; 'Published Jan.y 23.d 1776 by John Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London.'. “

An unidentified collector's mark stamped in black ink at the lower left corner; an 'E', 'L' or 'F' inside a small circle, 3mm diameter. Inscribed in graphite, lower right corner, '507'. Inscribed in graphite on the verso: 'CBM [Charles Brinsley Marlay]'; '21'; 'Master John Crewe'; 'J.C.S. [Chaloner Smith]. 47.III'. An impression of the Boydell published state of the plate was exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1776, no. 268 as 'Portrait of a Young Gentleman' (See Notes). P.168-1937 is an impression of the first published state (Russell, II/V).

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Framed Measurements

Height 29 Inches ( 73 cm )

Width 23.5 Inches ( 60 cm )

Depth 1.25 Inches ( 3 cm )

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VISIBLE IMAGE

Height 20 Ins (51cm) x Width 14 Ins (35.5 cm)

CONDITION

Very Good For Age / No Fading / original Frame

DELIVERY : UK £50 / EU & USA £180

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES : 07765 856171

Quote Ref : 0907

Physical Dimensions

Height

60cm (23.62")

Width

73cm (28.74")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art has dated this Joshua Reynolds Mezzotint Print to the 18th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1038760

Dealers Internal Reference

0907

Dealers Notes

Payments are accepted by Bank Transfer & by Debit / Credit Cards Via the BUY NOW Payment Link Tab shown below each items description.

PAY-PAL Account Holders are welcome. CHEQUES Drawn from UK banks.

Description

Master Crewe as Henry VIII

Joshua Reynolds, John Raphael Smith1775

Apologies for the reflections caused when photographing through the glass.

This fine example is an original mezzotint

“

( not a copy or re-printed version ) and is well preserved under glass within an ebonised period frame.

Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

fig 1. A framed black and white mezzotint print depicting a young boy in historical dress posing as Henry VIII. — fig 1. Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

These works are fairly rare with most only found within existing museum collections.

Sir Joshua Reynolds was known for his exceptional portraits of children, often commended for capturing their spirit of comedy, sympathy, innocence, and tenderness.

fig 2. A framed black and white mezzotint print depicting a young boy in historical dress posing as Henry VIII. — fig 2. Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

This portrait of John Crewe is modelled after a painting of Britain’s Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497–1543). The print conveys the humour and satire intended by the original work, as the small, smiling boy mimics the mighty king.

fig 3. A framed black and white mezzotint print depicting a young boy in historical dress posing as Henry VIII. — fig 3. Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

After the painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds (c.1775, exh. R.A. 1776, no. 239, 'Portrait of boy in the character of Harry the Eighth'; Mannings, 449; Private Collection, on long-term loan to Tate Britain). John Crewe, 2nd Baron Crewe of Crewe (1772 - 1835) as a young boy, full-length, wearing fancy-dress as Henry VIII, standing with his legs apart, hands on hips. Two spaniels at his feet and a view out to parkland through a window on the right.

fig 4. A framed black and white mezzotint print depicting a young boy in historical dress posing as Henry VIII. — fig 4. Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

NOTE

“Mezzotint. Second published state of the plate (originally published 10th December 1775). Following slight reworking and darker printing, engraved in italics: 'Joshua Reynolds Eques Pinxit.'; 'J. Raphael Smith fecit.'; 'Published Jan.y 23.d 1776 by John Boydell Engraver in Cheapside London.'. “

fig 5. A framed black and white mezzotint print depicting a young boy in historical dress posing as Henry VIII. — fig 5. Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

An unidentified collector's mark stamped in black ink at the lower left corner; an 'E', 'L' or 'F' inside a small circle, 3mm diameter. Inscribed in graphite, lower right corner, '507'. Inscribed in graphite on the verso: 'CBM [Charles Brinsley Marlay]'; '21'; 'Master John Crewe'; 'J.C.S. [Chaloner Smith]. 47.III'. An impression of the Boydell published state of the plate was exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1776, no. 268 as 'Portrait of a Young Gentleman' (See Notes). P.168-1937 is an impression of the first published state (Russell, II/V).