What is a mezzotint print?

A mezzotint is a printmaking process from the seventeenth century that creates subtle gradations of tone by uniformly roughening a copper plate and burnishing smooth areas to form light passages.

What materials were traditionally used to create eighteenth-century framed prints?

Works from this era typically comprise ink on heavy handmade rag paper, set within a glazed timber frame with a protective paper backing board.

How can authentic antique mezzotints be identified?

Authentic antique mezzotints exhibit a clear indented plate mark line surrounding the image margin, rich velvety dark tones, and subtle age-related toning on the paper substrate.

How can an antique portrait print be styled in a modern interior?

Hang the framed print above a dark timber sideboard, embed it within a contemporary gallery wall, or pair it with minimalist furniture to introduce historical visual contrast.

How should an antique framed print be preserved?

Display the framed artwork away from direct sunlight and damp environments, ensure acid-free backing materials are used, and dust the glass frame gently with a dry microfibre cloth.

for sale €468 $508

£400

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Black Wood Framed Print

Framed Portrait Engraving

Joshua Reynolds Mezzotint

Antique Mezzotint Engraving

Framed Monochrome Engraving

Classical Portrait Engraving

Joshua Reynolds Portrait Print

Id #SA1215450

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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: SA1215450
Price: 400 GBP
Availability: InStock

18th century

For Sale by Mansion House Antiques & Fine Art

Description

>> BARGAIN OFFER PRICE / WAS £585 / NOW ONLY £400 TO CLEAR <<

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Framed Measurements

Height 29 Inches ( 73 cm )

Width 23.5 Inches ( 60 cm )

Depth 1.25 Inches ( 3 cm )

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 £150 & USA £180

TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES : 07765 856171

Quote Ref : 0907

Physical Dimensions

Height

73cm (28.74")

Width

60cm (23.62")

Depth

3cm (1.18")

Declaration

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

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1215450

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

>> BARGAIN OFFER PRICE / WAS £585 / NOW ONLY £400 TO CLEAR <<

Master Crewe as Henry VIII

Joshua Reynolds, John Raphael Smith1775

Apologies for the reflections caused when photographing through the glass.

fig 1. A framed monochrome mezzotint print depicting a young boy in Tudor attire styled as Henry VIII flanked by two small dogs. — fig 1. Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

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

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

fig 2. A framed monochrome mezzotint print depicting a young boy in Tudor attire styled as Henry VIII flanked by two small dogs. — fig 2. Mezzotint Master John Crewe as Henry VIII After Portrait Paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds

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

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 monochrome mezzotint print depicting a young boy in Tudor attire styled as Henry VIII flanked by two small dogs. — 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 monochrome mezzotint print depicting a young boy in Tudor attire styled as Henry VIII flanked by two small dogs. — 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 monochrome mezzotint print depicting a young boy in Tudor attire styled as Henry VIII flanked by two small dogs. — 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).