Original Rare C1760 Richard Houston Mezzotint Engraving After Antoine Pesne Frederick III Prussia

Item Details

Title: Frederick III, King of Prussia, Elector of Brandenburg

Artist: After Antoine Pesne (1683–1757)

Engraver: Richard Houston (c.1721–1775)

Publisher: John Bowles and Son, Black Horse, Cornhill, London

Date: Circa 1760

Medium: Original mezzotint on laid paper

Origin: England

Frame: Unframed

An original 18th-century mezzotint portrait depicting Frederick III, King of Prussia, Elector of Brandenburg, after the celebrated court painter Antoine Pesne (1683–1757), engraved by the noted Irish-born mezzotint engraver Richard Houston (c.1721–1775). Published by John Bowles and Son at the Black Horse, Cornhill, London, circa 1760.

This impressive antique print portrays Frederick within a classical oval surround resting upon a plinth bearing the engraved title. The plate is inscribed 'Pesne Pinxt.' to the upper left and 'R. Houston Fecit.' to the upper right, with the publication line for John Bowles and Son, Black Horse, Cornhill, beneath.

Richard Houston is recognised as one of the leading mezzotint engravers working in London during the mid-18th century, producing portraits after many of the foremost artists of the period. Antoine Pesne served as court painter to the Prussian royal family and is regarded as one of the finest portrait painters of his generation.

This is a genuine eighteenth-century print and not a later reproduction.

Condition: The print survives in well-worn, unrestored condition with significant age-related wear throughout. There are numerous folds, tears, creases and losses to the paper, together with areas of edge damage, staining and surface wear accumulated over many years. Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and accurately illustrate the overall condition.

Despite its condition, the print retains excellent decorative appeal and remains an attractive and historically interesting example of eighteenth-century British printmaking.

A desirable piece for collectors of antique prints, mezzotints, Prussian history, military portraiture or eighteenth-century British engravings.

Size 25 x 36 cm

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