Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Reverse Glass Mezzotint Portrait to the 18th Century.
Richard Purcell after Jeremiah Meyer RA | Georgian Antique Portrait**
A rare and highly collectible eighteenth-century reverse-painted mezzotint on glass portrait of **King George III**, engraved by **Richard Purcell** after a portrait by **Jeremiah Meyer RA** and published by **Robert Sayer, Fleet Street, London**, circa 1763–1765.
This exceptional example combines fine British mezzotint engraving with the specialised art of reverse painting on glass, one of the most fashionable and expensive decorative arts of the Georgian period. Surviving examples are considerably rarer than standard paper engravings, making them increasingly sought after by collectors of Georgian antiques, British royal portraiture, and historic decorative arts.
The original mezzotint was subsequently hand-coloured and reverse-painted onto glass, a highly skilled process requiring every detail to be applied in reverse sequence to the back of the glass before viewing from the front. This technique creates a distinctive luminous quality impossible to achieve in conventional prints.
Published shortly after George III's accession to the throne, the portrait reflects the golden age of British mezzotint engraving. Such works were displayed in country houses, libraries, and formal reception rooms throughout Britain and its colonies as symbols of monarchy, loyalty, and status.
Jeremiah Meyer RA (1735–1789)** was a founding member of the Royal Academy and Portrait Painter to Queen Charlotte. **Richard Purcell (c.1720–1766)** remains one of the finest mezzotint engravers of the eighteenth century, with works represented in major institutional collections.
The lower margin retains its original inscriptions, including:
Meyer Pinx.*
"Richd. Purcil Fecit"*
"George the III, King of Great Britain, &c. &c."*
together with the publisher's imprint for **Robert Sayer, Fleet Street, London**.
Dimensions**
Framed: 42.5 cm × 33 cm × 2 cm
Visible Image: 36 cm × 25 cm
Provenance**
Private Collection, United Kingdom.
Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers, Lot 656.
Privately exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire.
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Condition**
Very good antique condition for approximately 260 years of age. Retaining strong colour, complete inscriptions, and excellent decorative appeal. Minor age-related wear including light paint loss, craquelure, oxidation, and surface deterioration consistent with authentic eighteenth-century reverse-painted glass works.
Professionally conserved and presented in a bespoke Larson-Juhl frame with premium Artglass AR99 museum glazing offering exceptional clarity and UV protection.
Key Features**
• Original Georgian reverse-painted mezzotint on glass
• Circa 1763–1765
• Portrait of King George III
• Engraved by Richard Purcell
• After Jeremiah Meyer RA
• Published by Robert Sayer, London
• Complete inscriptions and title panel
• Auction and exhibition provenance
• Museum-quality conservation framing
• Rare example of eighteenth-century British decorative art
A scarce and historically important Georgian portrait offering exceptional decorative presence and strong appeal to collectors of British royal memorabilia, antique engravings, mezzotints, and museum-quality works of art.
Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Reverse Glass Mezzotint Portrait to the 18th Century.
Source the historic in 17th, 18th, 19th & 20th century fine arts, painting, sculptures & collectibles
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King George III Reverse Painted Mezzotint Engraved by Richard Purcell, London
